l^b^- 


mA -'iV^^fN;']!^' 


LIBRARY 

OF   THE 

1 

1 

Theo 

logical   Seminar 

y, 

PRINCETON,    N.  J. 

•  1 

Case,__^ 

O+vtsi-Gn i 

Slielf, 
Book, 

Section 

Ho., 

OF 

INQUIRY    OH  Biissiowrs 

AND 

THE   STATE   OF  RELTGIOX. 


Sec: 


1 


MEMOIR 

OF  THE 

LIFE  AND  CHARACTER 

OF  THE  r 
LATE, 

AN  OFFICER  OF  MARINES 

IS   THE   UNITED   STATES'   SERVICE  :    ATTKBWABDS, 

ATTORNEY  AT  LAW 

IN   TUE   STATE   OF  PEIWSYLVAHIA  :   AND    SUBBBdtrEHTLT, 

A  MINISTER  OF  THE  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH, 

AND 

PRINCIPAL  AGENT 

Of  the  American  Goverrunent  for  persons  liberated  from  Slave- 
Sfiips,  on  the  Coast  of  Africa  ; 

Where  he  terminated  his  Life  in  the  month  of  May,  1820. 


BY  J.^ASHMUN. 


WASHINGTON  CITY: 

Sold  by  the  Booksellers  of  the  District  of  Columbia ;  Richmond ;  Petersbuis: ; 
Norfolk ;  Baltimore ;  Philadelphia  ;  New  York ;  New  Haven,  and  Boston. 

Jacob  Gickon,jimior,  Printer. 
1822. 


DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA,  io  wit : 

-♦4*+***t«  l^E  IT  REMEMBERED,    That   on  the  tenth  day 

J.  L    s.    I  of  December,  in  the  year  of  oui-  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  twenty-one,  ind   of  the  Independence  of  the  l^niteil 
States  of  America,  the  forty-sixth,  J.  Ashmmi,  A.  B.  of  the   said  District^ 
hath    deiwsited  in  this  office   the   title  of  a   Book,  the   right   whereof  lie 
claims  as  author  and  proprietor,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

«  Memor  of  the  Life  and  Character  of  the  Rer.  Samuel  Bacon,  A.  M. 
"  Late  an  Officer  of  Marines  in  the  United  States'  service  :  afterwards, 
•*  Attorney  at  law  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  :  and  subsequently,  a 
"  Minister  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  Principal  Agent  of  the 
'•  American  Government  for  persons  liberated  from  Slave-Ships,  on  the 

«'  Coast  of  Africa  ;  where  he  terminated  his  Life   in  the  month  of 

"  May,  1820.    By  J.  Ashman." 

In  conformity  to  the  act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  entitled 
"  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securmg  the  copies  of 
maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies  du- 
ring the  times  therein  mentioned  ;"  and  also  to  the  act,  entitled  "  An  act 
supplementary  to  an  act,  entitled  '  An  act  for  the  encouragement  of  lear- 
ning, by  securing  the  copies  of  maps,  charts,  and  books,  to  the  authors 
and  proprietors  of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  menioned,'  and  ex- 
tending the  benefits  thereof  to  the  arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etch- 
ing liistorical  and  other  prints." 

Jn  testimony  -whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand,  and  affixed  the 
public  seal  of  my  office,  the  day  and  year  aforesaid. 

EDM.  LLEE, 
Clerk  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

The  late  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon,  about 
two  years  previous  to  his  lamented  death, 
commenced  the  preparation  of  a  sketch  of 
the  principal  events  of  his  life.  In  this 
undertakinji^  he  was  induced  to  engage,  in 
the  expectation  of  deriving  some  personal 
benefit  from  the  recollections  which  the 
labour  would  supply  his  own  mind ;  and  of 
gratifying  and  profiting  a  few  friends,  to 
whose  perusal  it  might  be  proper  to  oifer 
the  narrative.  Of  this  sketch  he  drew  up 
an  outline ;  in  which,  were  put  down,  little 
besides  the  dates  of  the  principal  occur- 
rences of  his  history,  down  to  the  year 
1817,  and  an  enumeration  of  such  related 
subjects  as  he  proposed  to  discuss  in  de- 
tail. The  first  chapter  only  of  this  outline, 
was  all  he  lived, to  complete. 

His  religious  journal  kept  during  the 
tbe  years  i817 — 18  and  19,  describes  the 
progress  of  his  mind  in  that  important 
concern,  with  great  fid.elity :  and  his  cor- 
respondence, and  sepaijate  papers,  written 
at  difl^erent  periods,  ^d  on  a  variety  of 


IV 


subjects,  are  numerous  and  extensive:— 
and  taken  together,  they  have  furnished 
abundant  materials  for  the  illustration  of 
ever^^important  trait  of  his  character,  and 
the  preservation  of  the  most  interesting 
incidents  of  his  life. 

Few  of  his  manuscripts  were  intended 
for  publication,  at  all  ;  and  none  of  them, 
in  the  state  in  which  they  came  into  the 
author's  hands  :  he  has  therefore  used 
the  necessary  liberty  of  correcting  the  style 
and  phraseology  of  nearly  all  the  passages 
introduced  into  the  memoir:  but  in  no 
case  has  the  sense  of  the  original  been  vo- 
luntarily perverted,  nor  his  emendations 
obtruded  upon  it  unnecessarily.  In  the  il- 
lustration of  subjects  not  essential  to  the 
sketch,  he  has  commonly  either  filled 
an  outline,  or  followed  out  an  intention, 
contained  in  Mr.  Bacon's  papers:  but  for 
the  manner  in  which  this  department  of 
the  work  has  been  executed,  and  for  the 
remarks  interspersed,  perhaps  too  freely, 
along  with  the  incidents  of  the  narrative, 
he  is  alone  answerable. 

On  several  topics  he  has  been  induced 
to  dilate,  with  a  view  to  commend  them 


to  a  lar,^er  share  of  the  piihlic  interest. 
This  vemark  applies,  particularly,  to  the 
concise  statement  of  the  objects  and  mea- 
sures of  the  American  Colonization 
Society  ;  with  which,  indeed,  the  latter 
part  of  Air.  Bacon's  history  is  inseparably 
connected.  From  this  cause,  the  writer 
lias  never  withheld  those  testimonials  of 
his  hearty  attachment^  which  the  best 
use  of  his  humble  talents  in  its  behalf, 
has  been  able  to  confer. 

To  several  of  the  friends  of  the  late 
Mr.  Bacon,  who  have  kindly  supplied  the 
deficiencies  of  his  papers,  he  expresses 
his  gratitude  :  and  humbly  commends  the 
work  to  the  blessing  of  God,  and  the 
candid  reception  of  all  whom  the  exam- 
ple of  its  pious  subject  is  capable  of  bene- 
fiting. 

J.  ASHMUN. 

Washin^^ton  City,  January,  1823. 


CONTENTS 


CHAP.  I. 

Introduction.  Mr.  Bacon's  Ancestry.  His  parentage. 
New  England  Characteristics.  Social  Regulations. 
Common  schools.  Legal  provision  for  the  support  of 
Religion.  The  Standing  Order.  Mr.  Bacon's  early  life. 
His  religious  impressions.  His  early  occupations,  and 
habits.  Depressing  circumstances  of  his  youth.  Pa- 
rental affection,  -         -         -        -        «         1 — 25, 

CHAP.  II 

System  of  Divine  Providence.  Young  Bacon's  predilec- 
tion for  literary  pursuits.  Domestic  incidents.  His 
entrance  in  a  public  school.  Rigid  economy.  Account 
of  New  England  Grammar  schools.  His  proficiency. 
The  recess.  His  ingenuousness.  Termination  of  his 
minority.  His  neglected  religious  education.  Final 
departure  Irom  his  Father's  house.  His  entrance  in 
Harvard  University.  His  poverty.  His  College  ser- 
vices. Account  of  Harvard  College.  Its  religious 
character.  Effects  on  the  character  of  the  students. 
His  progress.  Termination  of  his  College  life.  Dan- 
gerous illness.  Destitution  of  religious  sensibility. 
His  entrance  on  a  course  of  law  reading.  Edits  the 
National  iEgis.    His  removal  to  Pennsylvania,    26 — 59. 

CHAP.  III. 

Fallacious  Patronage.  His  infidelity.  Journey  Into  the 
interior.  Repeated  frustration  of  his  hopes  Illness. 
His  settlement  in  Lancaster.  His  disinterested  laboars. 
His  success.  Edits  the  Hive.  His  removal  to  York. 
Ilis^  appointment  in  the  Marine  service.     Removal  to 


Vll 

Washington.  Duel.  His  marriage.  Change  of  his 
religious  views.  His  admittance  to  the  bar.  Illness. 
His  return  to  York.  Death  of  Mrs.  Bacon.  His  in- 
dustry.    Resignatian  of  his  commission,     .       60—82. 

CHAP.  IV. 

Nature  of  Regeneration.  His  visit  to  Massachusetts. 
Alarming  attack.  Religious  impressions.  Relapses. 
5!en^il  anguis'i.  His  conversion.  His  connexion  with 
the  Lutheran  church.  Means  of  his  religious  improve- 
ment. The  change  of  his  habits.  Union  with  tiie  Epis- 
copal church,      .         .  -         -  .  82 — 97. 

CHAP.  V. 

His  engagement  in  Sunday  schools.  History  of  Sunday- 
schools.  His  labours  in  the  cause.  Method  of  disci- 
pline. His  humility.  Multiplication  of  his  labours. 
Extraordinary  exertions.  His  trials.  Opposition.  His 
Zeal.  His  discretion.  His  faith.  Religious  tracts.  His 
Spiritual  enjoyment.     His  success.     Hymn,  98 — 14S. 

CHAP.  VL 

Determination  to  relinquish  his  profession.  Distribution 
of  his  time.  His  devotional  habits.  Characteristics  of 
his  piety.  His  superstition.  Becomes  a  candidate  for 
orders.  Success  of  his  exertions  to  promote  religion. 
His  visit  to  Philadelphia.  Prosecution  of  his  theologi- 
cal studies.  Ordination.  Diary.  Habit  of  prayer. 
His  delight  in  social  worship.  Extracts  from  his  diary. 
His  professional  pursuits.  Illustrations  of  his  humility. 
Contrition.  Conscious  infirmities.  His  trials.  Anti- 
cipation of  death,        ...        -        143—184. 

CHAP.  VII. 

Hi3  elevated  standard  in  religion-  The  direct  influences 
of  the  Divine  Spirit.  Illustrations  of  spiritual  influ- 
ence in  his  experience.      Illumination  of  his  mind. 


VI  li 

His  ardent  pursuit  of  Holiness.  Spiritual  enjoyment. 
His  religion,  practical.  His  rational  Catholicism.  Ad- 
vantages taken  of  his  christian  spirit  Nature  of  a  call 
to  the  Ministry.  His  motives  for  entering  the  Ministry. 
His  circumspection.     His  conscientiousness,  185—206. 

CHAP,  vni. 

Hi6  entrance  on  a  mission  for  the  Bible  Society.  His 
christian  correspondence.  Designation  to  the  African 
agency.  His  Ministerial  talents  and  labours.  Prose- 
cution of  his  mission  in  Pennsylvania.  Plans  for  ad- 
vancing the  cause.  Variety  of  his  labours.  Reflec- 
tions. Anecdotes.  The  missionary  cause.  Termina- 
tion of  his  mission.  Summary  of  his  labours.  His 
ministerial  talents,  and  character,        -         207 — 226 

CHAP.  IX. 

Origin  of  slavery  in  America.  Evils  of  slavery.  Degra- 
ded state  of  freed  blacks.  History  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society.  Benevolent  measures  of  the 
government  in  behalf  of  captured  Africans.  Expedition 
of  the  Elizabeth  to  the  coast  of  Africa.  Mr.  Bacon's 
departure  from  the  United  States.  Organization  of  the 
seivice.  Journal  of  his  voyage  to  Africa.  Arrival  at 
Sierra  Leone.     Kroo-men.    Natural  history,  22r — 252. 

CHAP.  X- 
Kev.  Daniel  Coker.  Kizzel.  Arrival  in  Sherbro.  Mr. 
Bacon's  return  to  Freetown.  Campelar.  Native  Kings. 
Commeucementof  the  sickness.  Its  causes.  Increasing 
distress  of  the  people.  Their  insubordination.  Death 
of  Messrs.  Crozer  and  Townsend.  Mr.  Bacon's  sick- 
ness. Last  entry  in  his  journal.  Instance  of  inhu- 
manity. Removal  to  Cape  Shilling.  Death.  Charac- 
ter.        -  -        -  ...  253—280. 


MEMOIR 


REVEREND  SAMUEL  BACON. 


CHAP.  I. 


The  beneficial  effects  of  a  pious  man's  life 
are  but  partially  realised,  if,  at  its  close,  the  world 
is  denied  a  record  of  his  example.  And  when 
to  eminent  piety,  were  superadded  a  public  char- 
acter, active  zeal  and  extensive  usefulness,  the 
obligations  of  duty  and  interest  conspire  with 
the  gratitude  of  survivors,  in  requiring  them  to 
cherish  and  perpetuate  his  memory.  In  the  in- 
ducement for  presenting  to  the  public  a  memoir 
of  the  late  Rev.  Samuel  Bacon,  all  these  con- 
siderations have  their  full  influence.  But  tha 
trait  which  shone  most  resplendently  in  his  char- 
acter, and  on  account  of  which  his  memorial 
will  long  survive  him,  and  his  biography  be  chief- 
ly valued,  is  that  of  his  entire  devotion  to  his 
Saviour.  In  the  last  years  of  his  life  ^  his  con- 
versation was  indeed  in  Heaven,'  and  *  his  walk 
with  God.'     Superior  te  sectarian  attachments^) 


^  MEMOIR    OF    BACON, 

Ins  fellowship  was  with  the  universal  company 
of  the  faithful ;  and  his  religion  was  that  of  the 
Bible.  Its  transforming  energy  received  a  full 
exemplification  in  the  total  change  which  it  pro- 
duced in  his  character,  tiie  altered  course  of  his 
pursuits,  and  the  celestial  elevation  which  it  im- 
parted to  all  the  affections  of  his  mind.  His 
piety,  in  short,  was  characterised  with  a  strength 
and  sublimity,  of  w  hich  even  our  privileged  age 
is  believed  to  have  furnished  very  few  examples. 

He  was  a  native  of  the  county  of  Wor- 
cester in  the  state  of  Massachusetts  ;  where  he 
passed  the  twenty-three  first  years  of  his  life. 
The  paternal  ancestor  from  whom  his  branch  of 
the  family  descended,  came  to  America  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty  years  ago,  and  settled  in  the 
province  of  Massachusetts  bay,  near  Boston. 
Passing  alone  in  the  night,  duringa  violent  storm 
of  snow,  across  the  isthmus  which  connects 
Boston  with  Koxbury,  he  lost  liis  way  on  the 
narrowest  part,  plunged  with  his  horses  into  the 
wintry  surf,  and  miserably  perished.  On  the 
same  night  was  born  the  grand-father  of  Sam- 
uel. The  father  had  been  induced  by  the  ex- 
pectation of  this  event,  to  visit  the  town  on  the 
preceding  day,  in  order  to  procure  necessaries 
for  the  occasion.     This  is  the  family  tradition. 

A  New  England  farmer  has  little  interest  in 
tracing  the  genealogy  of  his  ancestors  above 
the  last,  or  the  second  preceding  generation ; 
and  seldom  has  any  other  means  of  rescuing  the 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  3 

events  of  their  particular  history  from  oblivion, 
than  l>y  recourse  to  the  memory  of  the  oldest 
living  members  of  the  family.  The  occurrences 
of  the  last  age,  to  such  as  are  laboriously  em- 
ployed in  the  humble  occupations  of  the  pre- 
sent, and  have  their  tlioughts  and  their  time 
engrossed  by  their  immediate  duties,  have  re- 
ceded too  far,  and  are  viewed  as  too  detached 
and  separate  from  the  actual  scenes  of  life,  to  be 
the  objects  of  much  inquiry.  Hence,  few  events 
indeed,  of  their  domestic  history,  survive  the 
individuals  personally  conversant  with  them, 
above  half  a  century.  But,  from  tlie  patriarchal 
age  to  which  nearly  every  individual  of  Mr. 
Bacon's  family  attained,  its  memorials  subse- 
quently to  the  catastrophe  above  noticed,  are 
sufficiently  numerous  and  certain. 

The  causes  to  which  the  emigration  of  the 
first  settlers  of  Massachusetts  may  be  traced, 
operated  almost  entirely  upon  a  particular  class 
of  the  English  community.  The  early  regula- 
tions of  the  community  conspired  with  this  cir- 
cumstance, to  produce  among  them  an  almost 
perfect  identity  of  character  :  and,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  their  ministers,  whose  superior  edu- 
cation and  talents  gave  them  a  deserved  distinc- 
tion, they  all  held  nearly  the  same  rank  in  so- 
ciety. This,  although  humble,  was  not  abject; 
and  the  experiment  has  proved  it  to  be  better 
adjusted  to  the  preservation  and  advancement  of 


4  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

general  piety,  prosperity  and  happiness,  than 
any  other. 

Mr.  Bacon's  American  ancestors  were  far- 
mers, —the  proprietors  of  the  soil  which  they 
cultivated  with  their  own  hands  ;  procuring  hy 
incessant  industry  and  strict  frugality,  a  inoder- 
ate  competency  for  thr-mselves,  and  their  nume- 
rous families.  Ephraira  Bacon,  the  progenitor 
whose  birth  has  been  mentioned,  after  attaining 
to  manhood,  removed  from  Roxbury  to  Wood- 
stock, in  that  part  of  Connecticut  contiguous  to 
the  county  of  Worcester  in  the  state  of  Massa- 
chusetts. There  he  settled,  reared  eight  chil- 
dren, and  died  at  an  advanced  age.  The  family 
constitution  is  remarkably  vigorous.  Of  the 
eight  children  of  Ephralm  Bacon,  seven  are 
sons,  and  all  are  believed  to  be  living  at  the  pre- 
sent time.  The  age  of  the  youngest  is  sixty,  and 
6f  the  oldest,  about  eighty-four.  Sickness,  ex- 
cept from  casualties,  is  almost  unknown  to  the 
family :  all  of  whom  **  bore  the  appearance  of  the 
freshness  of  youth,  even  to  middle  age.'' 

Ephraim  Bacon,  the  eldest  of  these  brothers, 
yemoved  at  the  age  of  twenty-four,  to  Sturbridge 
in  Worcester  county,  about  thirty  miles  from  the 
paternal  residence  at  Woodstock ;  where  he  ob- 
tained one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  land,  then 
in  an  uncultivated  state ;  built  a  house  with  his 
own  hands,  and  married  Hannah  Chamberlain. 
His  removal  took  place  about  the  year  176S. 
These  were  the  parents  of  Samuel  Bacon,  who 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  5 

was  the  youngest  of  nine  children,  and  born 
at  Stuihridge,  July  22d,  1781.  His  raotljeu 
who  died  in  1790,  is  thus  characterised  in  the 
afi'ectionate  language  of  her  late  son:  "Her 
spirit  was  that  of  gentleness;  kind,  pious, 
charitable,  and  humble.  She  knew  but  little 
enjoyment  in  this  world.  I  never  but  once 
recollect  seeing  her  out  of  lier  room.  She  was 
five  years  sick  of  a  consumption,  and  nearly  all 
that  time  confined  to  her  room, — commonly  to 
ber  bed.  Her  parentage  was  respectable.  So 
much  was  she  beloved  and  esteemed  by  all,  that 
a  general  joy  seemed  to  pervade  her  christian 
friends,  when  they  heard  of  her  release  from  suf- 
ferings, by  an  exchange  of  worlds.  Her  last 
words  were  a  charge  to  her  liusband  respecting 
ber  young  children.  For  myself  in  particular, 
she  bad  great  solicitude.  She  often  wished 
*  Samuel  might  be  like  Samuel  of  old.'  " 

The  surviving  parent  continues,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four  years,  to  occupy  the  same  farm,  sur- 
rounded with  the  scenery  of  his  youthful  days, 
from  wbich  be  seems  never  to  bave  been  many 
weeks  absent.  ^'  It  is  there," — writes  bis  son 
w  itb  feelings  prompted  by  filial  tenderness,  and 
characterised  with  mucb  of  the  simplicity  of 
nature,  **  It  is  there,  he  has  laboured  nearly 
sixty  years  at  the  plough,  the  scythe,  the  axe 
and  the  flail.  It  is  there,  his  nine  children  were 
born.  The  spot  is  rendered  sacred  by  the  death 
of  three  children  and  a  wife.   There,  often;  very 


tJ  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

often,  has  the  morning  sun  found  him  upon  the 
hills  before  him,  and  the  evening  star  has  a 
thousand  times  lighted  him  at  his  labours.  It  is 
that  spot  which  has  been  moistened  by  his  sweat 
and  his  tears :  there,  have  the  wild  and  russied 
rocks  echoed  the  expressions  of  his  grief,  and 
his  mirth.  It  is  that  soil,  which,  for  many  years 
sustained  the  firmness  of  his  youthful  tread,  and 
now  feels  the  tottering  footsteps  of  his  age." 

The  religious  character  of  parents  must  al- 
ways materially  affect  that  of  their  children. 
Of  his  mother,  the  eubject  of  this  memoir  re- 
marked, that,  "^  for  the  time  at  which  she  lived, 
she  exhibited  uncommon  evidence  of  a  truly 
pious  character,*'  and  took  much  pains  to  hnpress 
his  mind  with  the  truths  of  religion.  With  her 
husband,  she  was  a  professor  of  religion,  and 
member  of  the  Baptist  church  ;  in  which  con- 
nexion he  still  continues.  During  SamuePs 
minority  his  father  occasionally  observed  the 
forms  of  religion  in  his  family;  but  appears  at 
that  period,  very  imperfectly  to  have  understood 
its  nature,  and  to  have  known  little  of  its  power. 

A  general  trait  of  tlie  laborious  yeomanry  of 
New  England,  where  the  refining  influence  of  the 
gospel  has  not  imparted  a  softened  tone  to  the 
affections  of  the  mind,  is  roughness,  and  severity 
of  temper.  To  the  formation  of  this  charac- 
teristic, a  number  of  very  obvious  physical, 
and  other  causes  growing  out  of  their  circum- 
stances, directly   conspire.    It  may  easily  con- 


MEMOIR    OF    KACON.  7 

sist,  as  commonly  it  docs,  with  perfect  inilexi- 
bility  of  principle,  and  correctness  of  moral  de- 
portment. And  sucli,  until  advanced  much  be- 
yond the  limit  of  mature  life,  was  the  father  of 
Samuel  Bacon.  "  He  possessed,''  according  to 
his  son's  relation  "a  good  education  ;  a  strong 
and  masculine  understanding,  ecpial  to  all  the 
affairs  of  life ;  sound  reasoning  powers;  fertility 
of  invention ;  a  good  judgment,  and  an  enterpris- 
ing, intrepid  character :  but  no  gentleness.  Suf- 
fice it  to  say,  that  to  this  day,  while  I  feel  the 
love  a  son  should  feel,  I  almost  tremble  in  his 
sight.  But  blessed  be  God,  and  I  record  it 
with  gratitude,  the  scene  is  now  changed.  The 
religion  of  Jesus  Christ  has  imparted  its  meek- 
ness to  that  rigid  bosom,  and  the  sun-set  of  his 
life  is  almost  without  its  clouds.  It  is  serene, 
and  mild,  and  peaceful,  as  the  closing  eve." 

Another  kindred  quality  which  the  necessity 
of  severe  and  unremitting  labour  is  extremely 
apt  to  beget  in  persons  situated  remote  from  tlie 
more  fascinating  objects  of  human  pursuit,  is  ex- 
cessive fi'ugality.  Of  the  extent  of  this  propen- 
sity in  a  father  charged  with  the  provision  of  a 
numerous  family,  it  must  be  allowed  that  a  son, 
ardently  bent  on  acquirements  which  would  place 
him  above  the  humble  rank  inherited  by  the  fa- 
mily, and  which, by  a  prescriptive  association, 
was  now  identified  with  its  very  name,  is  not 
the  best  judge.  Other  reasons  not  so  well  seen, 
might  unite  with  the  penurious  disposition  of  a 


S  MEMUlll    OF    BA-CON. 

parent,  or  operate  without  it,  to  induce  him  to 
oppose  even  unvvillius;  hinderanccs  to  his  son's 
more  liberal  pursuits.  It  is  still  true,  that  the 
needless  severity  of  his  father  at  this  period,  and 
the  measures  adopted  for  the  government  of  the 
family,  impressed  on  the  iiitellcctual  and  moral 
character  of  young  Bacon,  effects,  of  which  ma- 
ny adhered  to  him  until  an  advanced  stage  of 
his  life,  and  some  were  retained  to  its  very  close. 

The  circumstances  which  go  to  form  the  sen- 
timents of  a  New  Englander,  on  almost  every 
subject,  cannot  be  appreciated,  nor  his  character 
understood,  without  a  particular  survey  of  the 
constitution  and  usages  of  the  society  from 
which  he  receives  all  his  early  impressions. 

The  county  divisions  throughout  New  En- 
gland, differently  from  those  of  most  of  the 
other  states,  scarcely  serve  any  other  pur- 
pose than  that  of  a  convenient  classificatioa  of 
the  population,  and  to  define  the  jurisdiction 
of  magistrates  and  inferior  courts.  But  the 
corporate  rights  of  the  towns,  or  sections  of  from 
four  to  six  miles  square,  into  which  all  the  coun- 
ties arc  sub-divided,  are  guarded  by  the  people, 
as  forming  the  palladiiira  of  their  social  pros- 
perity. The  otilcers  of  these  corporations  are, 
"one,  three  or  five  select  men.  They  are  called 
the  fathers  of  the  town.  There  is  also  an  as- 
sessor, a  constable  and  a  treasurer,  a  few  ty thing 
men,  a  town  clerk,  and  other  inferior  officers. 
They  have  annual  town  meetings   in  March 


MEMOIIt    OF   BACON,  9 

when  these  officers  are  chosen.     At  these  meet» 
iugs  any  by-laws  can  be  passed  which  are  not 
inconsistent  with  the  laws  of  the  state  and  the 
United  States,  for  their  internal  regulation  ;  and 
any  sum  of  money  voted  for  the  support  of  the 
gospel  and  schools,  and  for  the  construction  of 
roads.      The  constitution  recognises  the  duty 
of  every  citizen  to  contribute  a  just  proportion 
of  his   property  for  the  maintenance  of  public 
worship,  and  his  obligation  to  attend  upon  it : 
and  every  man  is  in  effect;,   supposed  by  law  to 
be  a  congregationalist,*  there  being  in  nearly 
every  town  a  decided  majority  of  that  denomina- 
tion,— until  the  contrary  is  shown.     This  deno- 
mination, is  hence  called  '  The  standing  order.' 
The  increase  of  other  christians  in  the  state  has 
occasioned  loud  complaints  of  the  inconveniences 
which  they  experience  from  the  operation  of  this 
system.     Among  the  other  things  transacted  in 
the  town  meetings,  the  question  is  put  by  the 
moderator  'How  much  money  will  you  raise 
this  year  for  the  support  of  schools  ?'     Several 
motions  are  made,  proposing  different  sums.    At 
length  a  certain  sura  is  voted.     It  is  then  assess- 
ed on  the  inhabitants  in  proportion  to  their  pro- 
perty, and  goes  to  swell  the  aggregate  of  the 
taxes  for  tlie  state  and  county,  and  for  religious 
instruction,  together  with  which  it  is  collected^ 
and  goes  into  the  town  treasury.     Each  town 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  I. 


10  MEliOIR    O^'    BACON. 

being  divided  into  a  conveniont  number  of 
wards,  so  that  each  war  J  may  have  as  nearly  as 
may  be,  an  equal  number  of  iiihabitaots,  of  whom 
no  one  shall  be  more  than  two  or  three  miles 
from  a  school ;  this  sum  is  divided  araongst  the 
several  wards  in  due  proportion.  The  law  pro- 
vides under  a  heavy  penalty,  that  each  town, 
containing  a  certain  number  of  inhabitants,  shall 
maintain  a  grammar-school  during  the  year. 
But  this  provision  is  partially  compromised  by 
the  dividing  of  their  towns  into  wards  as  above 
stated,  an<l  supporting  a  school  three  months  in 
each,  during  the  winter  season ;  which  is  con- 
sidered as  equivalent  to  a  whole  year,  or  more, 
in  one  place.  This  practice  has  at  last  grown 
into  a  general  system,  especially  in  country 
toAvns.  Many  however,  raise  money  enough  to 
support  constant  schools  in  each  ward.  During 
the  summer  season  while  the  boys  are  called  oli* 
to  assist  in  the  labours  of  husbandry,  the  country 
schools  are  instructed  by  women  ;  in  which  girls 
are  taught  common  needle- work,  and  other  ap- 
propriate branches,  and  the  young  children  ac- 
quire the   rudiments  of  learning. 

*^  The  school  money,  it  has  been  said,  is  depo- 
sited in  the  treasury  of  the  town.  A  school  com- 
mittee-man is  appointed  at  the  town  meeting  for 
each  ward.  It  is  his  duty  to  obtain  a  teacher. 
He  generally  applies  to  some  neighbouring  col- 
lege or  academy,  and  finds  one  suitable  for  his 
purpose.    No  person  is  allowed  to  teach  without 


MEMOIR    OF    BACOX.  11 

baviDg  been  previously  examined  by  the  clergy- 
man of  the  town,  in  which  he  proposes  to  teach, 
and  recommended  by  him  as  competent  for  the 
business.  He  must  also  have  a  certificate  of  the 
select-men  of  the  town  where  his  settlement  or 
home  is,  that  he  sustains  a  good  moral  character. 
This  done,  he  may  begin,  otherwise  he  is  liable 
to  a  penalty  for  teaching.  The  select-men,  the 
committee-man  of  each  ward,  and  the  clergymen 
of  the  *  Congregational  order,'  are,  ex  officio,  a 
committee  to  examine  the  schools  in  the  town,  to 
report  as  to  t!ieir  proficiency,  and  censure  or  ap- 
plaud accordingly.  In  respect  to  education  the 
great  benefits  to  be  derived  from  granting  to  towns 
corporate  privileges  like  these,  is  apparent. 
When  the  teacher  has  completed  his  contract,  he 
makes  out  his  account,  charging  the  town  with  so 
much  service  in  teaching,  at  such  a  price  per 
month.  This  is  passed  by  the  select-men,  and 
paid  by  the  treasurer.  Thus  the  rich  and  the  poor 
are  on  the  same  footing  as  to  the  necessary  branch- 
es of  an  education.  Indeed,  the  poor  have  the  ad- 
vantage, for  the  taxes  are  levied  according  to  the 
property  which  each  possesses ;  and  the  poor 
who  pay  nothing,  still  enjoy  all  the  benefits  of 
the  school.  The  other  advantages  of  the  system 
require  no  explanation.'' 

The  nature  of  the  provision  made  by  law  for 
the  support  of  religious  instruction  and  public 
v/orship  in  Massachusetts,  is  accurately  under- 


13  MEMOIR    OF    BACOJ^. 

stood  by  few,  even  of  our  own  citizens,  who  live 
in  the  states  where  no  such  provision  exists. 

In  the  Declaration  of  Rights^  which  serves  as 
the  basis  of  legislation,  for  that  state,  it  is  assum- 
ed, that  "piety,  religion,  and  morality"  are  ne- 
cessary for  the  temporal  well-being  of  the  com- 
munity  ;  and  that  the  support  of  the  teachers  and 
institutions  of  religion,  are  necessary  to  the  pre- 
valence and  influence  of  religion  itself.  In  con- 
formity with  this  principle,  it  is  declared  to  be  the 
duty  of  every  person  to  contribute  an  equitable 
proportion  towards  the  support  of  religious  insti- 
tutions ;  and,  whgre  there  exists  no  conscientious 
impediment,  occasionally  to  attend  at  some  place 
of  public  worship.  It  is  further  declared  to  be 
the  privilege  of  everj  town  or  parish,  to  choose 
its  own  religious  teachers ;  and  that,  among  the 
ministers  actually  so  chosen  and  officiating,  every 
individual  shall  have  the  right  of  directing  the  ap- 
plication of  his  own  tax,  agreeably  to  his  choice. 
As  all  preference  to  any  particular  denomination 
of  Protestant  christians,  is  expressly  disclaimed, 
the  laws  grounded  on  these  principles,  can  be 
partial  in  their  operation  only  from  the  influence 
of  circumstances.  It  however,  deserves  to  be 
inquired,  whether  even  the  known  or  probable 
circumstances  which  may  obstruct  their  uniform 
operation,  do  not  render  them  justly  exception^ 
able. 

The  dissatisfaction  expressed  by  the  despi- 
gers  and  neglecters  of  every  form  of  religion, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  13 

merits  very  little  regard,  provided  religion  be  a 
public  blessing.  There  will  then  remain  two 
classes  only,  iu  relation  to  whom  these  laws  can 
be  considered  as  even  apparently  partial,  or  se- 
vere. The  first,  consists  of  those  conscientious 
persons  who,  too  v^'eak  in  the  respective  parishes 
where  they  reside,  to  obtain,  and  provide  agreea- 
bly to  law,  for  a  minister  of  their  own,  are  obliged 
to  contribute  towards  the  support  of  one  in  whose 
election  they  could  not  concur,  and  on  whose  min- 
istrations they  do  not  attend.  Here  is  certainly 
plausible  ground  of  complaint :  still,  the  ques- 
tion of  the  expediency  of  the  system,  must  be 
decided  by  determining  whether  its  advantages 
to  the  community,  outweigh  these  partial  incon- 
veniences. The  sense  of  a  majority  of  the  peo- 
ple of  these  states,  has  always,  till  very  recent- 
ly, declared  itself  in  favour  of  the  affirmative  of 
the  inquiry.  The  question  is  of  acknowledged 
importance,  and  of  very  difficult  solution.  Ano- 
ther class  of  persons  are  honestly  opposed  to 
the  principle  of  any  legal  interference  whatever, 
in  matters  of  religion.  But  this  is  manifestly, 
one  of  those  extreme  doctrines,  which  the  fram- 
ers  of  our  general  constitution  were  too  wise  not 
to  perceive  to  be  utterly  impracticable ;  and 
therefore,  did  not  attempt  to  consecrate  by  its 
admission  into  that  instrument.  All  that  they 
attempted,  was  to  restrain  to  its  proper  limits,  the 
degree  of  legal  interference  on  this  subject.  Civil 
government,  without  the  sanctions  of  religion, 


14  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

must  fall ;  ami  therefore,  to  guard  the  iuviola- 
hWlty  of  these  sanctions,  and  even  to  increase 
their  force,  is  a  duty  connected  with  that  of  self- 
preservation. 

The  union  of  these  two  classes,  seconded  by 
the  indifference  of  too  great  a  number  to  religion, 
and  its  institutions^  in  general,  has  very  recently 
obtained  for  them  as  favourable  a  modification  of 
the  statute  laws  as  they  can  admit,  without  a  pal- 
pable violation  of  their  constitution. 

It  would  be  thinking  too  favourably  of  hu- 
man nature  to  suppose  that  the  religious  order 
almost  exclusively  privileged  by  the  operation  of 
the  former  system,  should  not,  in  some  instances 
have  asserted  their  legal  rights  with  a  precision, 
and  enforced  them  by  measures  but  little  calcu- 
lated to  conciliate  the  affections  of  their  dissent- 
ing brethern.  The  worst  form  in  which  the 
execution  of  these  laws  ever  appeared,  was 
In  the  legal  pr^jcesses  which  followed  the  refu- 
sal of  persons  of  other  denominations,  volun- 
tarily to  pay  the  tax  which  they  required.  In 
cases  of  this  sort,  where  the  clergyman  for 
whose  support  the  money  was  assessed,  either 
could  not,  or  would  not  relinquish  it,  the  goods 
of  the  recusant  were  distrained  and  sold,  to  pro- 
duce it.  The  odium  which  could  not  fail  to  at- 
tach, in  the  popular  mind,  to  transactions  of  this 
nature,  has  unquestionably  gone  further  to  wea- 
ken the  interest  of  the  Congregational  cause, 
than  all  those  extreme  measures^  could  ever  do 


MliMOIR    or    BACOS\  15 

to  stiengtlien  it.  For,  the  shape  which  the  com- 
plaint of  the  sufferer  assumed  with  something 
more  than  the  semblance  of  truth,  was,  thp<.t  •  his 
goods  had  been  sacrificed  for  the  support  of  a 
religion  which  he  did  not  believe,  of  a  clergy- 
man whom  he  only  knew  as  his  oppressor,  and 
of  a  form  of  worship  which  he  never  attended.' 
The  genius  of  the  evangelical  dispensation 
doubtless  demands  the  voluntary  contribution 
of  christians  for  the  support  of  its  institutions. 
The  members  of  a  christian  community  certainly 
may  consent  to  give  to  these  contributions  the 
form  of  an  equalised  tax,  without,  in  the  least, 
impairing  the  liberality  of  the  principle  on 
which  they  are  made.  Nor  would  this  effect 
necessarily  follow  the  investing  of  their  civil 
rulers  with  power  to  organize  the  system  of  taxa- 
tion, and  provide  for  its  being  carried  into  effect. 
But,  in  order  to  avoid  those  offences  which  would 
powerfully  tend  to  defeat  the  good  intention  of 
this  arrangement,  so  far  as  the  promotion  of  pure 
religion  is  concerned,  it  is  necessary  that  the  com- 
munity should  possess  an  uncommon  share  of 
piety,  and  that  their  acquiescence  should  be  clieer- 
ful,  unconstrained,  and  general.  Such  was  once 
the  character  of  a  large  portion  of  the  New  Eng- 
land population;  and  the  happiest  consequences 
resulted  from  the  public  provision  made  for  the 
support  of  religion,  with  very  few  of  its  evils. 
And  on  that  basis,  was,  in  a  great  measure,  built 
the  deserved  reputation  of  those  states  for  reli- 


16  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

gion  and  morality ;  of  which,  after  all  proper 
abatements  are  made,  there  certainly  remains  a 
substantial  fund,  that  no  other  christian  country 
of  equal  population  can  justly  claim.* 

In  this  community,  under  'institutions  such 
as  have  been  described,  and  in  a  secluded  coun- 
try situation,  the  subject  of  this  memoir  acquir- 
ed the  rudiments  of  knowledge  and  letters,  re- 
ceived his  first  religious  impressions,  and  form- 
ed all  his  early  habits.  His  parents  being  Bap- 
tists, are  to  be  ranked  among  the  non-conformists 
of  the  time,  and  experienced  in  consequence,  in- 
conveniences which  gave  to  their  son's  mind  an 
early  bias  against  f  the  principle  of  religious 
taxation,  which  he  never  afterwards  entirely  dis- 
missed. The  death  of  his  mother,  before  lie 
had  completed  his  tenth  year,  left  him  entirely 
dependent  on  the  religious  instruction  and  super- 
intendence of  his  father,  who,  except  aftbrding 
him  an  opportunity  of  frequenting  public  wor- 
ship, in  a  great  measure  neglected  it.  Being,  by 
the  ecclesiastical  system  of  that  denomination, 
denied  any  visible  connexion  with  their  church, 
the  kind  and  degree  of  religious  tuition  which 
he  received  from  an  occasional  attendance  on 
its  public  services,  may  be  named  any  thing 
else  with  more  propriety,  than  a  regular  relig- 
ious education.  He  had  on  several  occasions 
very  affecting  impressions  of  the  awful  interests 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  II.         t  See  Appendix,  Note  III. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  17 

oT  eterniiy,  during  bis  boyhood  ;  but  bis  ac- 
quaintance with  the  principles  of  the  gospel  was 
so  imperfect,  and  bis  notions  of  religion  so  vague 
and  confused,  that  these  emotions  always  pass- 
ed off  with  the  cause  which  excited  them,  and 
tended  in  the  event,  to  harden  and  pervert, 
rather  than  permanently  to  benefit  him. 

His  alarm  on  these  occasions,  appears  to  have 
consisted  only  of  a  general  apprehension  that 
his  soul  was  unsafe,  and  that  wrath  was  reser- 
ved for  him  on  account  of  his  sins.  His  know» 
ledge  of  the  evangelical  system  was  nearly  re- 
stricted to  the  doctrinal  facts  that  there  were  a  re- 
surrection, a  judgment,  a  Heaven  and  a  Hell; 
that  the  Son  of  God  had  died  for  the  benefit  of 
man,  and  that  sins  were  in  some  way  expiated 
through  his  sufferings.  To  a  more  perfect  in- 
sight into  the  truths  of  salvation,  he  had  none 
both  able  and  disposed  to  guide  him, — a  con- 
dition of  his  early  lot,  which  he  afterwards 
found  occasion  to  deplore,  as  his  heaviest  calam- 
ity. The  impressions  which  his  mind  had  re- 
ceived from  the  affectionate  solicitude  for  his 
spiritual  welfare  manifested  by  his  mother  dur- 
ing iier  protracted  illness,  contributed  greatly  to 
heighten  the  constitutional  tenderness  of  bis  feel- 
ings, and  quicken  the  operations  of  conscience  ; 
and  in  their  general  effects,  had  a  lasting 
influence  on  his  character.  But,  to  her  prayers 
in  his  behalf,  he  afterwards  attributed  a  more 
important  agency,  in  his  salvation. 


18  MEMOIR    OF    BACOK, 

Shortly  after  the  death  of  this  beloved  par- 
ent,  he  relates  his  first  serious  religious  convic- 
tions to  have  taken  place  ;  which  appear  to  have 
been  produced  by  the  superstitious  construction 
that  his  neighbours  gave  to  a  very  natural  cir- 
cumstance. A  common  plant  had  sprung  up  on 
his  mother's  grave,  which  from  its  vigorous  growth 
and  uncommon  form,  gave  occasion  to  some 
very  weak  predicti0;ns  of  an  ominous  nature,  that 
much  alarmed  him.  The  predictions  of  course, 
failed  ;  but  the  impressions,  as  they  gave  hi;* 
thoughts  a  strong  direction  towards  religious 
things,  might  have  proved  salutary,  had  he  en- 
joyed at  the  time,  the  guidance  of  a  judicious 
and  pious  spiritual  instructor.  This  occurrence 
was  in  his  eleventh  year.  Ilis  time  from  this 
period^  became  more  occupied  in  the  laborious 
business  of  the  farm,  and  a  small  portion  only, 
was  lelt  for  the  improvement  of  his  mind  in 
the  rudiments  of  learning. 

Before  the  recent  multiplication  of  books  in 
that  part  of  the  country,  the  course  of  reading 
to  which  a  country  youth  w  as  obliged  to  confine 
himself,  was  commonly  very  limited.  The 
branches  in  Avhich  instruction  w  as  afforded  in  the 
common  schools,  were  those  of  reading,  writing, 
and  common  arithmetic.  A  brief  elementary 
treatise  on  each  of  these  subjects,  the  Bible, 
Watt's  Psalms  and  Hymns,  and  a  very  few  hered- 
itary domestic  volumes,  commonly  on  religious 
subjects,  constituted  the  only  library  to  which 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  19 

he  could  have  recourse.  Thus  situated,  it 
would  be  a  solecism  to  suppose  that  a  young 
person,  however  constitutionally  disposed  to  in- 
tellectual pursuits,  should  acquire  a  taste,  or 
form  a  habit  of  reading.  The  character  of 
young  Bacon's  mind  was  unusually  contempla- 
tive and  susceptible  ;  but,  from  the  paucity  of 
objects  on  which  his  thoughts  could  dwell  with 
advantage,  and  the  entire  absence  of  those  ex- 
citements so  necessary  to  the  development  of 
its  faculties,  his  cogitations  were  of  a  very  un- 
fruitful kind  :  and  whole  years  past  off  without 
any  sensible  advancement  in  knowledge,  or 
much  mental  improvement.  This  contempla- 
tive turn  made  it  "impossible,''  he  states,  ^<for  in,e 
to  work  alone.  Whenever  I  attempted  it  I  soon 
fell  into  a  profound  reverie  on  the  heavens,  on 
the  trees,  the  birds,  the  plants,  and  scenery 
about  me,  and  would  for  hours  be  lost  in  thought ; 
my  axe  or  hoe  would  fall  from  my  hand,  and  I 
would  think  no  more  of  it  until  roused  by  the 
approach  of  my  father  or  some  one  of  the  fami- 
ly. I  then  would  seize  my  implement,  and  ply  it 
with  the  greatest  activity  and  the  most  poignant 
regret  for  the  time  I  had  lost."  This  trait  was 
censured  by  his  frends,  and  at  that  time  lamented 
by  himself,  as  a  very  unfortunate  one ;  and  tend- 
ed, in  conjunction  with  the  domestic  discords  that 
had  multiplied  in  consequence  of  the  second  mar- 
riage of  his  father,  to  embitter  the  whole  of  his 
subsequent  residence  under  the  paternal  roof. 


so  MEMOIR   OF   BACOX. 

To  this  latler  circumstance  his  writings  several 
times  allude,  in  the  language  of  grief  tempered 
with  filial  res|)ect.  fie  deplores  it  as  the  fatal 
cause  of  domestic  disorganization,  of  the  de- 
struction of  family  religion,  and  the  neglect  of 
parental  instruction,  in  the  little  scene  which  he 
was  obliged  to  consider,  but  could  never  feel  to 
be,  a  "home."  Its  effects  on  his  character  were 
lasting.  They  may  be  traced  in  something  like 
a  morbid  dejection  of  spirits,  which  the  happiest 
scenes  of  his  life  were  not  able  wholly  to  correct ; 
and  the  want  of  early  discipline  manifestly  ag- 
gravated the  natural  irascibility  of  his  temper. 
But  though  occasionally  passionate,  and  always 
ardent  in  his  attachments  and  pursuits,  he  was 
not  vindictive ;  and  the  natural  temperament 
of  his  mind  was  uncommonly  mild,  placable 
and  affectionate.  Cut  off,  by  his  situation, 
from  many  of  the  temptations  to  vice,  and  oppor- 
tunities of  indulging  in  the  seducing  amusements 
which  smooth  the  path  of  ruin  to  tliousands  of 
the  youth  of  our  cities,  he  was  addicted  to  no 
open  immoralities ;  but  still,  grew  up  a  stranger 
to  piety,  to  himself  and  to  his  God.  Obscure  as 
liis  path  in  life  was,  and  harmless  as  were  his 
pursuits,  they  both  lay  in  the  w^orld.  And 
though  ill  at  ease  with  himself,  he  did  not  at  this 
time  know  to  what  a  debased  state  of  moral 
wretchedness,  the  "corruption  of  his  nature" 
had  consigned  him ;  nor  what  he  required  to 


MExMOTR    OF    BACON. 


compose  an  accusing  conscience  to  peace,  and  im- 
part happiness  to  his  mind. 

In  his  thirteenth  year,  a  stronger  religious 
bias  was  given  to  his  thoughts,  than  ever  before. 
He  was  suddenly  and  strangely  seized,  in  his 
bed,  with  a  distressing  aft'ection,  probably  of  an 
epileptic  nature,  which  threatened  to  terminate 
in  immediate  death.  The  family  were  aroused. 
His  father,  who  sometimes  prayed  in  the  do- 
mestic circle,  at  his  request,  engaged  in  earnest 
intercession  for  him.  He  was  greatly  affected  by 
the  petition,  ''  Sparc  thy  young  servant,  who 
believes  himself  dying,''  which  he  could  never 
forget.  The  paroxysm  of  his  disorder  passed 
off  for  that  time ;  but  the  whole  circumstance 
made  an  impression  which  he  was  not  able  soon 
to  dismiss.  On  this  occurrence,  he  subsequently 
remarked,  "Had  I  at  that  time  been  taught  the 
way  of  salvation,  and  had  the  true  nature  of  my 
case  then  been  explained  to  me,  tlie  effect  might 
have  been  most  salutary  ;  my  whole  life  after- 
wards,  might  have  been  a  happy  and  useful  one. 
But  I  fear  there  was  no  one  about  me  who  knew 
for  himself,  ^  the  way,  the  truth  and  the  life ;' 
and  of  course,  there  was  none  to  instruct  me. 
Although  my  father  prayed,  yet  I  neither  at- 
tempted, nor  was  I  directed  to  do  it  myself. 
I  was  entirely  ignorant  of  the  plan  of  salvation ; — 
a  young  Hindoo  could  scarcely  be  more  so," 

In  the  occasional  struggles  which  took  place 
in  his  mind,  at  this  time,  and  for  the  space  of 


22  MEMOIR    OF    BACOM. 

three  or  four  years  afterwards,  be  recognised  al  a 
subsequent  period,  the  ''  striving  of  the  spirit  of 
God.'  But  bis  ignorance  concurred  with  bis 
natural  depravity,  gradually  to  stifle  and  extin- 
guisb  the  divine  influence.  Seldom  did  bis  re- 
ligious convictions  lead  him  farther,  than  occa- 
sionally to  repeat  the  Lord's  prayer  on  retiring 
to  rest.  As  he  advanced  towards  manhood,  even 
this  semblance  of  religious  duty  was  neglected, 
and  a  confirmed  spiritual  stupor  rested  on  all  the 
faculties  of  his  mind. 

The  five  subsequent  years  of  his  life  afford 
scarcely  any  thing  of  interest  or  variety  worth 
recording.  He  more  seldom  read  the  scriptures, 
than  formerly ;  and  fast  wore  out  of  his  feelings, 
tiie  slight  religious  traces  of  his  earlier  years. 
The  laborious  scene  upon  which  his  life  had 
opened,  and  the  limited  range  of  objects  to  which 
it  confined  him,  were  equally  suited  to  repress 
ilie  active  mental  energies  which  lay  unconscious- 
ly buried  in  liis  breast.  His  straitened  circum- 
stances, and  even  the  garb  in  which  he  was  oblig- 
ed to  appear,  forbade  him  to  associate  on  terms 
of  equality,  even  with  his  rustic  companions ; 
and  produced  a  feeling  of  inferiority,  which  dis- 
covered itself  in  an  embarrassed  deportment,  and 
became  so  much  a  habit,  as  never,  he  confessed, 
entirely  to  leave  hira. 

In  his  eighteenth  and  nineteenth  years,  he 
accounted  himself  happy  in  being  able  to  obtain, 
by  earnest  intreaty,  the  pitiful  privilege  of  ex- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  23 

iling  liimself  from  his  father's  roof,  and  labour- 
ing for  a  neighbouring  farmer.  This  alternative 
affordetl  him  neither  emolument,  nor  mitigation 
of  toil ;  his  wages  being  applied  to  pay  a  sub- 
stitute for  performing  his  services  at  home.  But 
it  removed  him  from  beneath  the  depressing 
frown  of  a  parent,  and  from  the  din  of  too  fre- 
quent domestic  discord  and  recriminations. 

Blinded  indeed,  must  that  parent  be  by  the 
strength  of  habitual  passion,  who  does  not  see, 
and  callous,  in  the  extreme,  his  breast,  if  he 
does  not  feel,  for  the  effects  which  such  treatment 
of  a  child,  and  especially,  which  such  an  exam- 
ple, must  infallibly  have  on  his  character,  and 
happiness.  In  the  sacredness  of  the  domestic 
retreat  his  little  interests  all  instinctively  centre. 
It  is  nearly  all  the  world  he  knows.  The  first 
objects  which  his  tender  mind  opening  into  ex- 
istence, ever  learns  to  love  and  venerate,  are  the 
names  of  mother,  sister  and  father.  On  that  soft 
area  the  young  and  unpractised  powers  of  the 
soul  and  body,  make  their  first  simple  and  imi- 
tative efforts.  Here  are  shed  more  tears  than 
water  the  whole  path  of  life,  besides  ;  and  here, 
are  tasted  the  liveliest  joys  which  the  world  has 
power  to  awaken.  Example,  at  this  period  of  life, 
not  only  makes  a  deep  impression,  but  exerts  a 
transforming  influence  upon  its  susceptible  sub- 
ject. Hither,  he  instinctively  looks  back  from  all 
his  little  excursions  into  the  rougher  and  stranger 
scenes  of  that  life  to  which  riper  age  is  destined;^ 


'^'h  MEMOIR    or    BACOX, 

for  resi,  instruction  and  solace.  Who,  that  has 
unce  been  young,  and  whose  childhood  ever  had 
a  home,  but  fecl.^  in  reviewing  that  most  innocent 
and  delicious  period  of  his  existence,  these  sof- 
ieuing  recollections  steal  over  his  soul  'till  they 
dissolve  it  ?  If  virtue,  if  piety  itself  have  a  con- 

|;enial  soil  on  earth,  it  must  be  here.  And 
lere,  the  economy  of  Heaven  has  designed 
hat  it  should  be.  It  is  nature's  appointment, 
confirmed  by  the  concurrent  injunction  of  the 
/gospel:  ^  fathers,  provoke  not  your  children  to 
wrath,  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  ad- 
monition of  the  Lord.'  Relying  on  the  grace  with 
w  hich  he  who  gave,  is  willing  to  accompany  a 
sincere  endeavour  to  obey  this  command,  parents 
may  train  their  offspring  to  love  and  fear  their 
Saviour.  But,  associate  in  the  youthful  mind, 
w  ith  the  idea  of  a  father,  the  image  of  terror : 
divest  home  of  its  endearments  and  of  its  sa- 
credness :  admit  contention,  malevolence  and 
dislike,  to  usurp  in  that  retreat,  the  places  of  the 
opposite  charities :  let  the  natural  guardians  of 
his  morals,  present  too,  an  example  of  passion- 
ateness  and  strife:  drive  him  by  needless  severi- 
ty, to  look  to  strangers  and  the  world,  for  an 
asylum  from  domestic  persecutions  :  and  take 
into  the  account  the  child's  inexperience,  tlie 
volatility  of  the  animal  spirits,  the  weakness  of 
reason,  and  above  all,  the  deep  moral  corruption 
of  his  nature  ;  and  a  miracle  of  God's  providence 
and  grace  must  preserve  him,  from  the  stupefac- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  25 

tioii  of  all  feeling  on  the  one  hand,  or  from  out- 
rageous proHigacy  and  depravation  of  principle 
on  the  other. 

That  young  Bacon  suffered  in  both  these 
respects,  and  in  the  latter  with  some  severity,  is 
less  to  be  wondered  at  than  regretted.  When 
man  suffers  himself,  even  through  inadvertence, 
to  derange  the  most  important  part  of  the  system 
contrived  by  the  wisdom  of  his  Maker,  for  the 
formation  of  young  immortals  to  his  service,  the 
deed  is  perilous,  and  the  consequences  may  be, 
beyond  calculation,  disastrous. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 


CHAP.  11. 


Who,  that  has  not  observed  its  progress,  and 
marked  its  increasing  volume  and  strength,  would 
imagine  that  the  little  rill  from  the  hill-side,  could 
ever  swell  to  a  navigable  expanse*,  and  pour  a 
tributary  flood  into  some  neighbouring  ocean  ? 
Or,  who  that  contemplates  separately  and  alone, 
the  first  in  a  train  of  events  which  have  conspired 
to  produce  in  the  moral  world,  the  most  magnifi- 
cent results,  could  possibly  connect  it  with  its 
end?  The  river  must  be  traced  in  its  descent, 
the  links  of  the  chain  must  be  numbered,  or  we 
should  never  credit  the  increase  of  the  one,  or 
the  wonderful  continuity  and  connexions  of  the 
other.  To  how  slight  a  circumstance  can  every 
reflecting  person  refer  the  origin  of  some  of  the 
most  momentous  passages  of  his  life !  The  most 
edifying  impressions  of  the  universal  agency  of 
the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  world,  may  be  derived 
from  contemplating  the  progress  of  his  own  coun- 
sels, from  stage  to  stage,  in  the  way  of  their 
fulfilment.  The  opposition  of  human  wisdom 
and  strength,  only  discovers  their  own  weakness 
and  folly.  All  human  estimates  of  the  probable 
chances  of  their  success  and  failure,  are  mocked 
by  the  results. 

*•  There's  a  Divinity  that  shapes  our  ends, 

Rough  hew  them  how  we  will :" 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  »7 

And,  happily  for  man,  although  his  weakness 
and  his  ignorance  cannot  thwart,  nor  compre- 
liend  the  plans  of  Heaven,  yet  may  they  submit 
to  be  instructed  and  guided ;  and  this  is  all  that 
his  duty  and  his  happiness  require.  How  often 
is  the  providence  of  God  employed  for  our  high- 
est good,  without  our  co-operation !  how  often 
even  against  our  best  contrived  and  most  strenu- 
ous endeavours  !  It  is  a  delightful  employment 
of  the  man  of  prayer  who  ^commits  all  his 
ways  to  the  Lord,"  to  review  from  the  diff'erent 
stages  of  his  journey,  the  paths  by  which  the 
Lord  has  mysteriously  led  him.  How  few  of 
all  does  he  discover  to  have  been  those  of  his 
previous  choice !  But  the  guardian  providence 
and  mercies  of  God  extend  to  the  unthankful 
and  disobedient.  Such  indeed,  walk  in  dark- 
ness, and  understand  little  of  the  ^  counsel  of 
the  most  High.'  But  where  is  the  rational  crea- 
tion of  God  on  earth,  though  an  athiest  in  his 
principles,  and  a  profligate  in  his  conduct,  who 
is  not  compelled  to  admit,  and  to  admire,  in  not 
a  few  of  the  events  of  his  life,  the  marked  in- 
terposition of  a  superior  power?  An  adventu- 
rous scepticism  may  indeed  do  much,— and  an 
habitual  disuse  of  sober  reflection,  by  sinking 
the  intellectual  into  the  sensual  nature,  still 
more,  to  exclude  from  a  man's  mind  the  con- 
viction of  a  particular  providence.  Still,  the 
doctrine  has  an  advocate  in  his  conscience,  and 


2S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

boldly  as  it  is  sometimes   disclainied,  is  never 
wholly  disbelieved. 

Mr.  Bacon  is  now  known  to  have  been  de- 
signed in  the  counsels  of  Providence,  to  exhibit 
to  the  world  a  short  and  luminous  career  of  dis- 
tinguished usefulness  ;  and  to  leave  to  the  ehris 
tian  church,  in  the  effects  of  a  signal  example  of 
holiness  and  zeal,  a  still  more  invaluable  legacy. 
But,  in  his  twentieth  year,  the  utmost  reach  of 
human  sagacity  could  discover  little  in  his  prin- 
ciples, or  his  circumstances,  on  which  an  oppo- 
site designation  in  almost  every  particular,  might 
not  with  much  greater  probability,  have  been 
predicted.  He  indeed,  uniformly  exhibited  a 
strong  propensity  for  intellectual  pursuits,  and 
an  uncommon  facility  of  acquiring  knowledge. 
But  his  highest  ambition  appears  to  have  been  to 
acquire,  eventually,  a  peaceful  settlement  and 
comfortable  subsistence  in  the  humble  sphere  to 
which  his  intercourse,  and  nearly  all  his  acquain- 
tance with  the  world,  was  restricted.  The  hills 
which  bounded  his  sight  were  to  him  as  much 
the  flammantia  limina  mundi,  as  HerscheFs  orbit 
to  the  accomplished  astronomer :  and  the  phi- 
losopher would  nearly  as  soon  lay  the  scene 
of  his  own  life  in  the  regions  beyond,  as  young 
Bacon  at  the  time,  have  meditated  a  pursuit 
which  should  draw  him  out  of  his  rustic  solitude. 
His  friends  attributing  the  effects  of  his  contem- 
plative disposition  to  indolence,  judged  him  bet- 
ter suited  to  succeed  in  some  trade  i  of  which 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  S9 

several  of  the  most  serviceable  kinds  can  always 
be  exercised  with  advantage  in  an  agricultural 
population.  Mechanical  occupations  pursued 
even  with  diligence,  are  seldom  so  laborious  as 
those  of  a  New  England  farmer :  and  Samuel 
consented  to  be  advised  in  this  respect,  rather 
from  the  desirable  change  which  such  a  plan 
would  make  in  his  immediate  situation,  than  from 
any  settled  predilection  for  the  life  of  a  mechanic. 
But  his  services  had  now  become  too  valuable  to 
his  father,  to  be  conveniently  dispensed  with — and 
some  delay  was  incurred  by  the  difficulty  of  deter- 
mining on  the  business  which  should  be  at  the 
same  time,  the  most  profitable,  and  best  suited  to 
the  genius  of  the  candidate.  From  these  causes 
Bacon  had  attained  his  twentieth  year  before  it 
was  decided  in  what  way  he  was  to  be  disposed 
of.  ^'  But,  at  this  time"  he  relates,  "  a  person 
of  imposing  impudence  and  great  loquacity  came 
into  the  neighbourhood,  who  professed  to  be  a 
physician.  It  happened  to  be  a  sickly  season, 
and  he  was  soon  called  into  business.  Very 
many  people  died,  and  the  doctor's  cojBTers  were 
filling  fast.  This  latter  circumstance  attracted 
my  father's  attention,  and  he  thought  his  son 
might  as  well  learn  the  trade  too,  as  it  proved  so 
lucrative.  The  doctor  indeed,  was  soon  out  of 
vogue.  But  while  his  high  credit  lasted  the 
bargain  was  made  by  my  father,  and  the  plan 
communicated  to  me  for  my  concurrence.  Des- 
titute as  I  was  of  learning,  and  even  of  a  know- 


30  MEMOIR    OF    BACOJS.  , 

ledge  of  what  it  imported,  I  still  knew,  and  ven- 
tured to  say,  that  my  education  was  not  sulBScient 
for  the  business.  My  father  thought  more  edu- 
cation useless.  I  was  too  sensible  of  my  defi- 
ciency in  this  point  to  be  convinced,  and  it  was 
finally  agreed  I  should  go  to  live  eight  weeks, 
with  the  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  of  Stur- 
bridge,  to  learn  English  grammar.  The  charge 
for  board  and  tuition  was  one  dollar  and  twenty- 
five  cents  per  week.  This  was  thought  too  extra- 
vagant, and  my  father  proceeded  to  Leicester  aca- 
demy, sixteen  miles  distant,  to  ascertain  whether 
a  cheaper  accommodation  could  not  be  procured. 
He  found  that  tuition  there  was  one  dollar  per 
quarter,  and  board  could  be  had  for  one  dollar  a 
week,  so  that  in  eight  weeks,  one  dollar  would  be 
saved  by  sending  me  to  that  school.  It  was  accord- 
ingly determined  that  I  should  go  to  Leicester." 
It  cannot  be  expected  that  his  knowledge  of 
letters  was  at  this  time,  very  extensive.  "  I  was 
able/*'  he  states,  '^  to  read  English,  correctly,  and 
could  spell  well  the  common  terms  of  the  lan- 
guage—understood the  simple  rules  of  arithme- 
tic,  and  could  write  as  bad  a  hand,  nearly,  as  at 
this  time.*  This  was  the  extent  of  my  learning. 
I  knew  nothing  even  of  English  grammar,  and, 
as  regards  the  stores  of  Latin,  Greek,  and  other 
classical  learning,  I  believe  1  knew  not  that  there 

^  Mr.  Bacon's  penmanship  was  executed  with  great 
rapidity,  and  without  much  attention,  often,  eitlier  to  ele- 
gance or  legibility. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  3i 

were  such  languages  or  literature  in  existence." 
This,  it  must  be  granted,  is  an  uncommon  speci- 
men of  ignorance  in  a  youth  nearly  arrived  at 
the  age  of  manhood,  in  the  enlightened  and  cul- 
tivated state  of  Massachusetts.  It  would  be 
wholly  incredible,  if  not  viewed  in  connexion 
with  the  very  unpropitious  circumstances  of 
young  Bacon's  situation  during  his  minority. 
His  capacity  for  acquiring  knowledge  was  cer- 
tainly of  a  superior  order,  and  he  could  have  re- 
mained in  such  ignorance,  until  that  time  of  life 
only  in  consequence  of  an  absolute  destitution 
of  the  means  of  removing  it. 

In  pursuance  of  the  singular  project  whicii 
his  father  had  formed  in  concert  with  the  doctor, 
Samuel  was  conducted  away  to  Leicester  on  the 
first  of  April,  1801,  and  entered  in  the  English 
department  of  the  grammar  school  in  that  town. 
Some  idea  of  the  economy  observed  in  provid- 
ing this  course  of  instruction,  has  been  afforded 
by  the  caution  wiiich  his  father  had  previous- 
ly bestowed  on  that  point.  The  same  pru- 
dence was  evinced  in  carrying  the  plan  into  ef- 
fect. His  father  accompanied  him  on  horseback, 
carrying  provisions  to  subsist  himself  and  the 
horses,  until  his  return  ;  saw  him  provided  with 
two  or  three  elementary  books  and  a  boarding 
place ;  paid  the  four  shillings  demanded  for  his 
tuition ;  and,  on  parting,  impressed  by  a  fresh  re- 
petition, some  prudential  maxims  on  the  neces- 
sity of  habitual  economy.     To  enforce  this  les- 


32  MEMOIR    or   BACON. 

son  by  a  practical  comment,  he  presented  his  son 
with  twenty-five  cents,  which  he  informed  him, 
was  to  meet  the  incidental  expenses  of  the  term. 
Samuel  had  gained  his  main  point,  and  easily 
overcame  the  chagrin  occasioned  by  this  very 
restricted  allowance  for  purposes  which  he  kncAV 
were  of  only  secondary  importance. 

The  grammar  schools  established  in  all  the 
counties  of  this  state,  are  commonly  provided 
with  too  instructors  ;  one  of  whom  has  the  care 
of  the  classical,  the  other  of  the  English  depart- 
ment. Into  the  latter  are  admitted  youths  of 
both  sexes.  The  course  of  instruction  in  the 
lower  department,  is  understood  to  commence 
where  that  of  the  common  schools,  ends.  A  very 
good  knowledge  of  the  English  language  may 
here  be  acquired,  together  with  geography  and 
the  most  useful  branches  of  mathematics. 

In  the  classical  department,  the  elements  of 
the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  are  the  principal 
objects  of  attention  ;  and  young  men  acquire  the 
learning  requisite  for  entrance  in  the  colleges  of 
that  country.  The  funds  whicli  support  these 
useful  institutions  are  commonly  the  joint  pro- 
duce of  public  grants,  and  private  munificence; 
the  exercise  of  tlie  last  by  the  individuals  most 
interested,  being  the  usual  condition  on  which  the 
first  are  made.  These  funds  are  secured  from 
alienation  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  and  en- 
trusted to  the  management  of  a  board  of  trustees 
invested   with  corporate  powers :   and  together 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  3S 

with  a  very  moderate  charge  for  tuition,  paid  by 
the  pupils,  amply  defray  the  expenses  of  the 
school. 

Bacon  found  himself,  on  being  introduced  to 
this  little  scene  of  literary  activity,  addressed  by 
new  objects  of  interest  and  ambition,  to  the  in- 
fluence of  which  he  could  not  long  remain  insen- 
sible. Scarcely  a  remark  of  his  seniors  in  study 
passed  without  notice,  or  failed  to  convey  some 
new  idea,  and  excite  a  new  train  of  reflections. 
From  hearing,  he  ventured  to  inquire  ;  and  be- 
sides his  progress  in  the  particular  studies  upon 
which  he  was  put,  which  was  very  extraordinary, 
he  acquired  much  information  on  other  subjects^ 
of  which  he  was  before  utterly  ignorant.  His 
application  was  incessant.  Even  his  nights  were 
laid  under  large  contributions.  Three  days  serv- 
ed him  to  commit  to  memory  the  principles  of 
English  grammar,  and  his  advancement  in  other 
studies  was  equally  rapid.  He  had  entered  upon 
pursuits  in  which,  for  the  first  time,  he  felt  con- 
scious of  a  capacity  to  succeed.  The  field  of 
literature  enlarged  on  his  view  beyond  his  former 
conceptions  on  the  subject — he  was  surrounded 
by  a  multitude  of  youths  destined  to  explore  its 
richer  treasures  ;  his  ambition  was  fired  ;  and  he 
formed  a  determination,  from  which  he  never 
afterwards  receded,  to  acquire  an  education  of 
the  most  liberal  kind.  Even  at  this  period,  that 
native  vein  of  benevolence  which  run  through 
his  character,  and  which  piety  afterwards  deveV- 
5 


Sh  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

oped  with  peculiar  lustre,  had  a  principal  share 
in  sustaining  this  almost  romantic  purpose. 
Without  patronage,  without  money,  he  indeed, 
required  the  aid  of  his  own  sanguine  tempera- 
ment,  and  a  very  strong  impression  of  the  ad- 
vantages connected  with  a  good  education,  to 
engage  him  in  the  pursuit  of  one.  Bacon's  am- 
bition was  of  an  ardent  cast ;  but,  both  in  iti> 
objects  and  its  nature,  was  through  life,  marked 
with  an  amiable  regard  to  the  rights  and  happi- 
ness of  others.  Depressed  as  his  spirit  had  ever 
been  by  a  load  of  cares,  labours  and  troubles, 
quite  disproportioned  to  his  strength,  such  was 
the  inherent  ingenuousness  of  his  nature  that  the 
hope  of  enlarging  the  sphere  of  his  usefulness, 
more  than  the  prospect  of  future  distinction,  at 
this  time  animated  his  singular  resolution.  And. 
"amidst  my  subsequent  severest  trials,"  he 
states,  "  I  have  said  to  myself  a  thousand  times, 
let  me  press  on  to  the  completion  of  my  object; — 
it  is  the  way  to  usefulness ;  my  capacity  of  doing 
good  depends  on  my  perseverance.  The  anti- 
cipation always  impai^ted  fresh  vigour  and  cheer- 
fulness to  my  zeal.'' 

His  first  instructor  at  Leicester  was  Caleb 
Boutelle,  Esq.  His  proficiency  under  this  gen- 
tleman, in  the  brief  term  of  eight  weeks,  was  al- 
most incredible.  In  June,  he  was  recalled  to  the 
work  of  the  farm,  and  remained  thus  employed 
until  September.  He  had  in  the  mean  time, 
ventured  to  express  to  his  father,  his  wishes  io 


MEMOIR    OF    BA.CON.  35 

relation  to  an  education  ;  but  was  forbidden,  un- 
der penalty  of  his  severe  displeasure,  to  indulge 
so  "  wild  and  irrational  an  imagination."  His 
purpose,  which  he  forbore  to  express,  was,  how- 
ever, unshaken.  As  a  very  special  indulgence, 
permission  was  at  length  granted  him  to  return 
to  school,  for  another  term  of  eight  weeks.  This 
indulgence  was  turned  to  the  same  good  account 
as  the  preceding;  and  in  the  month  of  Novem- 
ber of  the  same  autumn.  Bacon  was  qualified 
to  take  charge  of  the  parish  school,  where  Ife 
had  himself  received  the  rudiments  of  learning. 
He  applied  himself  with  great  diligence  and 
success  to  the  duties  of  this  new  and  honourable 
vocation,  for  the  ensuing  four  months  :  and,  at 
the  expiration  of  his  engagements,  was  gratified 
with  very  flattering  commendations  by  his  em- 
ployers. His  success  served  as  a  new  incentive 
to  perseverance  in  his  studies.  His  father  drew, 
and  appropriated  his  wages;  and  finding  that 
his  son's  learning  was  likely  to  prove  a  source 
of  immediate  emolument,  was  prevailed  upon 
by  painful  intreaty,  to  consent  to  his  spending 
another  term  of  the  same  continuance  as  the  two 
preceding,  at  the  grammar  school.  Bacon,  im- 
mediately on  his  return,  begun  Latin.  The 
grammatical  forms  commonly  learnt  by  begin- 
ners in  that  language,  were  committed  to  memo- 
ry in  five  days.  Before  the  expiration  of  the 
two  montlis  to  which  his  stay  at  school  was  li- 
raited,  he  had  entered  upon  the  easy  Latin  poets. 


36 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 


While  employed  as  the  preceding  summer,  in 
the  business  of  the  farm,  he  completed  his  twen- 
ty-first year ;— a  point  in  life,  to  the  attainment 
of  which,  he  had  long  looked  forward  with  im- 
patient anxiety.  Pitiable  indeed  is  the  lot  of 
that  son  who  can  cherish  without  inexcusable 
impiety,  so  unnatural  an  anticipation.  Most 
dangerous  would  be  the  doctrine  that  the  exces- 
sive rigour  of  a  parent,  or  imperfections  which 
even  a  child  is  obliged  to  discover,  can  dissolve 
the  natural  and  immutable  obligation  of  filial 
obedience  and  submission ;  or  make  the  re- 
straints and  demands  of  parental  authority  a 
grievance.  The  thought  is  alike  abhorrent  to 
religion,  and  reason.  Few  domestic  dissentions 
ever  leave  the  party  sustaining  the  subordinate 
relation,  the  least  culpable :  the  quiet  and  sub- 
missive attitude,  which,  in  that  case,  it  becomes 
the  duty  of  that  party  to  assume,  would  com- 
monly disarm  the  asperity  of  the  other.  Sel- 
dom can  the  danger  be  on  the  side  of  conceding 
too  much :  and,  admitting  the  individual  holding 
the  subordinate  place  to  be  the  injured  party, 
his  obligation  to  pursue  the  most  pacific  course, 
is  unimpaired  by  the  circumstance.  If  redress 
is  the  object  sought,  a  submissive  deportment  is 
surest  to  obtain  it.  But  the  dictates  of  reason 
in  this  duty,  are  sanctioned  by  the  express  max- 
ims of  religion.  The  father  is  accountable  to 
his  God,  and  not  to  his  child :  the  child  to  God, 
under  his  father.    The  same  principle  extends 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  37 

itself  with  the  necessary  modifications,  through 
the  other  relations  of  domestic  life, — a  principle 
plainly  recognised  in  the  word  of  God,  but 
which  is  less  regarded  even  by  christians  of  the 
present,  than  of  former  ages  ;  and,  with  some 
others,  of  greater  importance,  is  in  danger  of 
being  even  set  aside,  as  the  obsolete  characteris- 
tic of  a  less  enlightened  period ! 

In  the  deportment  of  young  Bacon  under  the 
very  painful  and  perilous  discipline  to  which  his 
patience  and  his  principles  were  subjected  from 
this  cause,  there  is  more  to  approve  and  less  to 
condemn,  than  many,  possesi.sing  better  advan- 
tages, and  professing  to  be  governed  by  sublimer 
motives,  have  exhibited  in  less  trying  circum- 
stances. It  deserves  moreover,  to  be  placed  to 
his  credit  in  the  account,  that  parental  tenderness 
and  instruction  had  never  fully  established  in 
his  mind,  the  boundaries  and  land-marks  of 
filial  duty.  He  had  little  more  than  an  instinc- 
tive impression  on  the  subject,  to  guide  him,  until 
his  own  uninstructed  good  sense  suggested  a  few 
additional  principles,  to  which  a  certain  correct- 
ness of  feeling  on  moral  subjects  generally,  dis- 
posed him  to  conform.  Still,  were  his  conduct 
weighed  in  an  impartial  balance,  it  would  doubt- 
less appear  that  he  is  not  to  be  wholly  excused 
from  the  blame  of  provoking  or  aggravating  by 
some  unfilial  acts,  the  very  treatment  of  which 
he  complained. 


<t. 


38  MEMOIR    OF    BACOX. 

From  a  state  of  indigence,  his  father  had,  at 
ihis  time,  risen  to  opulence.  His  farm  had,  by 
several  purchases,  become  extensive  and  valua- 
ble, and  a  handsome  amount  of  money,  the  earn- 
ings of  a  life  of  industry  and  thrift,  been  accumu- 
lated. After  the  labours  of  the  season  were  com- 
pleted,  Samuel  fully  disclosed  to  him  the  purpose 
he  had  formed  in  relation  to  an  education  ;  and 
added  such  an  explanation  of  his  motives,  as  he 
hoped  miglit  secure  his  concurrence  and  aid.  But 
he  was  wholly  disappointed  ;  and  was  required, 
either  to  renounce  the  design,  or  no  longer  to  look 
to  the  paternal  roof  for  a  home.  He  did  not  he- 
sitate to  embrace  the  latter  alternative ;  and  until 
within  a  very  few  years  of  his  death,  experienced 
the  full  effect  of  the  hard  prohibition.  This  was  in 
September,  180S.  He  immediately  became  an 
exile  from  the  scene  of  his  childhood  ;  to  which, 
he  never  afterwards  returned  permanently  to 
reside. 

He  again  repaired  to  Leicester,  and  devoted 
a  few  weeks  more  to  his  classical  preparations 
for  admission  in  Harvard  college.  The  instruc- 
ler  in  the  Latin  department,  and  the  principal  of 
the  academy  during  his  connexion  with  it,  was 
Kbcnezer  Adams,  A,  M.  a  gentleman  who  has 
.since  held  a  very  respectable  professorship  in 
Dartmouth  college,  and  whom  he  never  after- 
wards mentioned  but  with  gratitude  and  venera- 
tion. The  two  following  winters  were  spent  in 
school-keeping  in  Rutland,  a  town  twelve  miles 


MEMOIR    OF    BACO^.  39 

from  Leicester,  and  in  the  same  county.  A  few 
weeks  in  each  season  were  also  spared  to  assist 
his  father  in  securing  the  harvest.  The  proceeds 
of  his  labour  in  both  occupations  went  to  defray 
tlie  expenses  of  his  residence  at  the  academy. 
By  this  alternation  of  study  and  toil,  he  quali- 
fied himself,  and  applied  for  admission  as  a 
member  of  the  freshman  class  in  Harvard  col- 
lege, in  the  autumn  of  1804.  He  was  received 
on  a  footing  of  equality  with  the  other  members 
of  the  class.  But  the  great  increase  in  expense 
in  his  new  situation,  was  a  source  of  distressing 
embarrassment,  for  which  it  was  necessary  to 
make  immediate  provision.  The  practice  of  the 
most  rigid  economy  was  from  his  early  habits, 
no  self-denial.  He  had  travelled  on  foot  with 
his  bundle,  from  his  native  town  to  Cambridge : 
and  had  restricted  his  personal  wants  almost  to 
the  simple  demands  of  nature.  But  below  this 
point,  it  was  in  vain  to  think  of  reducing  them, 
A  comparatively  expensive  and  constant  resi- 
dence at  the  first  literary  institution  on  the  con- 
tinent, for  four  years,  the  short  winter  vacations 
alone  excepted,  was  to  be  provided  for,  or  his 
long  cherished  intention,  and  the  prospect  to 
which  it  opened  be  absolutely  abandoned.  He 
acknowledges  himself  especially  indebted  to  the 
kindness  of  Moses  White,  Esq.  of  Hutland, 
**  whose  friendship,"  he  says,  "  he  experienced  in 
many  times  of  difficulty  in  prosecuting  his  stud- 
ies.''   But  the  nature  and  extent  of  this  obligation 


40  MfiMOlll    01     BACO:?f. 

is  not  precisely  explained.  This  gentleman  ap- 
pears to  have  been  his  only  efTicient  iiatron  in 
this  interesting  struggle  for  intellectual  advance- 
ment. To  him  he  had  only  been  known  in  the 
character  of  a  laborious  and  faithful  instructor; 
and  probably  his  obscurity  more  than  his  want 
of  merit,  had  restricted  him  to  the  friendship  of 
a  single  individual,  from  whom  any  important 
assistance  or  encouragement  could  be  obtained. 

Soon  after  his  entrance  in  college,  the  pres- 
sure of  his  poverty  overcame  the  reluctance  of 
pride,  and  he  applied  for  the  birth  of  "  Uolden 
Freshman,"  which  is  a  partially  endowed  scho- 
larship in  the  university.  The  services  which 
the  incumbent  is  expected  to  render  as  the  con- 
dition of  enjoying  its  privileges,  are  equally  la- 
borious and  humiliating.  His  business  is  to  ring 
the  bell  for  all  the  exercises  of  college, — a  duty 
which  recurs  more  than  twelve  times  in  the  day; 
and  to  kindle  and  attend  all  the  fires  in  the  dif- 
ferent recitation  rooms.  He  is  uniformly  occu- 
pied in  these  attentions,  while  the  students  are 
at  table  ;  and  all  the  perquisite  connected  with 
the  place,  is  the  scanty  pittance  which  happens 
to  escape  the  voracity  of  the  hungry  multitude. 

Having  secured  this  situation,  the  reflection 
that  it  was  the  only  condition  on  which  he  could 
enjoy  the  advantages  of  a  public  education,  re- 
conciled him  to  its  servile  duties.  His  uniform 
good  sense,  and  a  prospective  view  of  conse- 
quences, commonly  prevailed  over  the  sugges- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  41 

tions  of  pride  and  the  pressure  of  present  incon- 
veniences, in  most  of  the  engagements  of  hia 
life.  In  the  cheerful  attention  which  he  gave  to 
his  humble  duties,  in  the  presence  of  several 
hundreds  of  his  equals,  and  for  their  accommo- 
dation,  this  trait  of  his  character  shone  with  a 
very  amiable  lustre.  This  service  it  must,  how- 
ever, be  understood,  does  not  necessarily  prove 
detrimental  to  the  progress  of  the  individual  who 
performs  it.  It  often  invigorates  his  health,  by 
the  exercise  which  it  aJQPords ;  and  occupies  no 
greater  proportion  of  his  time,  than  he  ought  to 
devote  to  some  form  of  relaxation  from  the  se= 
verer  pursuits  of  his  class.  It  has  not  seldom 
happened  that  the  scholar  most  distinguished  in 
his  class  for  his  accuracy  in  mathematics  and 
philosophy,  is  the  Holden  Freshman.  The  clas- 
sics are  best  relished,  and  best  understood  by  a 
mind  which  unites  a  proper  proportion  of  vigour 
with  those  free  and  easy  sallies  of  imagination 
and  feeling  to  which  no  habit  contributes  more, 
than  the  cultivated  intercourse  of  polite  society. 
An  almost  mechanical  round  of  study  and  re- 
creation, if  persisted  in,  may  make  a  man  of 
science, — but  can  hardly  conduct  to  mediocrity 
in  the  more  liberal  arts,  A  gradual  refinement 
of  the  taste  which  depends  chiefly  on  its  exer- 
cise, is  always  the  measure  of  the  student's  pro- 
gress in  these  branches  of  learning.  In  this 
article  of  a  liberal  education,  Mr.  Bacon  ever 
discovered  a  deficiency,  which,  is  certainly  to  be 


I 


4S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

attributed  to  the  late  perioil  at  which  he  engaged 
in  its  acquisition,  and  the  nnfavourable  circum- 
stances wiiich  attended  the  prosecution  of  it, 
rather  than  to  any  constitutional  defect  in  the 
qualities  of  his  mind. 

The  colleges  of  New  England,  considered 
as  tlie  perfecting  feature  of  the  excellent  system 
of  popular  instruction  which  obtains  there,  have 
ever  been  its  boast,  and  one  of  its  brightest  orna- 
ments. Harvard  College  is  the  oldest  institution 
of  this  kind,  not  only  in  that  country,  but  in 
America.  It  was  founded,  and  an  appropria- 
tion of  four  hundred  pounds  made  to  it,  by  the 
general  court,  in  1636,  sixteen  years  after  the 
arrival  of  the  first  colonists  in  New  England, 
and  only  six  years  subsequently  to  the  first  settle- 
ment of  the  province  of  Massachusetts  bay.  At 
that  period,  not  only  the  surrounding  country, 
but  almost  the  very  site  of  the  college,  was  an 
uncultivated  wilderness.  The  "governor,  de- 
puty governor  and  magistrates"  of  the  province, 
were  constituted  its  original  guardians,  together 
w  ith  the  "  president  for  the  time  being,  and  the 
ministers  of  the  coi^gregational  churches  in  the 
towns  of  Cambridge,  Watertown,  Charlestown, 
Boston,  lloxbury  and  Dorchester."  The  only 
change  in  the  overseers  of  the  institution  which 
took  place  at  the  Revolution,  consisted  in  the 
substitution  of  the  "  lieutenant  governor,  council 
and  senate  of  the  commonwealth"  for  the  time 
being,  in  the  place  of  the  "deputy  governor  and 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  43 

magistrates/'  By  a  still  later  change,  the  cler- 
ical and  lay  members  of  this  board  have  been 
iucreased  to  fifteen  of  each  order,  with  the  power 
of  filling  vacancies  in  their  own  body.  The 
direct  application  and  management  of  the  funds, 
together  with  the  appointment  of  professors,  and 
establishment  of  the  standing  laws  of  the  institu- 
tion, is  committed  to  a  corporate  body,  consisting 
of  seven  persons,  who  are  styled  the  "  President 
and  Fellows  of  Harvard  College."  The  acts  of 
this  body  are  generally  subject  to  the  supervi- 
sion of  the  overseers.  The  immediate  govern- 
ment and  instruction  of  the  college  are  adminis- 
tered by  the  president,  professors,  tutors,  libra- 
rian and  five  proctors. 

The  institution  went  into  operation  in  16B8, 
two  years  before  its  proper  organization  took 
place.  The  original  intention  of  the  establish- 
ment was  chiefly  to  educate  young  men  for  the 
church,  in  order  to  perpetuate  in  the  new  world, 
a  learned  and  able  ministry.  The  most  liberal 
of  its  early  benefactors  was  the  Rev.  John  Har- 
vard, who  died  in  Charlestown  in  1638,  leaving 
to  it  one  half  of  his  estate,  amounting  to  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-nine  pounds  seventeen  shil- 
lings and  two  pence  sterling.  To  perpetuate  the 
memory  of  his  munificent  bequest,  the  name  of 
tliis  benefactor  was  given  to  the  institution. 

Its  early  presidents  and  professors  were,  with 
few  exceptions,  educated  in  England,  and  appear 
to  have  been  eminently  learned,  pious  and  able 


44j    '  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

men.  The  grants,  donations  and  bequests  subse- 
quently added  to  the  ori2;inal  foundation,  by  the 
state,  and  by  individuals  in  England  and  A  raerica, 
have  been  numerous  and  valuable :  and  it  con- 
tinues  to  receive  an  annual  appropriation  of  ten 
thousand  dollars  from  the  treasury  of  the  com- 
monwealth. The  edifices  belonging  to  the  col- 
lege are  ten  in  number,  besides  the  president's 
dwelling,  and  the  medical  hall  in  Boston ;  and 
the  property  subject  to  the  disposal  of  the  cor- 
poration for  the  use  of  the  institution,  amounts 
to  six  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

On  this  very  respectable  foundation,  are  pro- 
fessorships in  divinity,  mathematics,  natural  and 
experimental  philosophy,  in  Hebrew  and  the 
other  oriental  languages,  in  rhetoric  and  the  belles 
letters,  in  metaphysics  and  ethics,  in  logic,  natu- 
ral history,  the  ancient  and  modern  languages,  in 
moral  philosophy  and  civil  polity,  and  the  applica- 
tion of  the  sciences  to  the  useful  arts.  It  has  like- 
wise a  lecturer  on  sacred  criticism  and  ecclesias- 
tical history  and  polity.  Several  of  these  profes- 
sorships have  been  endowed  by  the  munificence 
of  individuals.  On  most  of  the  branches  enu- 
merated, the  students  have  not  only  the  advan- 
tage of  hearing  lectures,  but  are  arraigned  in 
regular  recitations,  under  faithful  instructers. 
The  other  features  of  the  system  of  instruction 
common  to  all  the  colleges  of  New  England, 
and  which  have  given  them  a  material  advantage, 
in  point  of  usefulness  over  most  of  the  similar 


MEMOIR   OF    BACON.  45 

institutions  in  the  southern  states,  consist  in  the 
exact  classification  of  the  students,  the  regular 
and  uniform  succession  of  their  studies,  the  ex- 
clusion of  resident  undergraduates  not  regularly 
entered  in  the  classes,  and  the  definite  period 
prescribed  for  the  completion  of  the  whole  course. 

The  exactness  of  the  discipline,  and  the  in- 
cessant diligence  necessary  to  be  observed  by  the 
students,  in  order  to  accomplish  the  established 
course  of  studies,  tend  to  the  same  results.  The 
best  education  which  our  country  can  afford  may 
be  accomplished  at  this   college. 

For  admission  into  the  lowest  class  specific 
qualifications  are  prescribed,  comprehending  a 
good  elementary  knowledge  of  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages,  and  the  mathematics.  Four 
years'  residence  is  necessary  to  complete  the 
course.  This  term  is  perhaps  as  advantageously 
employed  by  American  youths  in  the  earlier 
stages  of  an  education,  as  the  same  period  could 
be  done  in  any  other  institution  in  the  world.  The 
seminary  may  justly  be  considered  as  better  adapt- 
ed to  the  age  and  circumstances  of  this  country, 
than  even  the  celebrated  universities  of  Europe. 
While  it  has  educated  a  large  number  of  useful 
men,  it  has  likewise  formed  to  habits  of  study,  and 
imparted  a  taste  for  knowledge,  to  many  individ- 
uals who  have  afterwards  become  accomplished 
scholars,  and  shone  with  distinguished  lustre  in 
the  different  departments  of  life.  The  average 
number  of  undergraduates  has,  for  the  last  ten 


46  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

years,  not  much  varied  from  two  hundred  and  fifty. 
Of  fifteen  presidents,  wholiavein  succession,  been 
at  the  head  of  this  institution,  ten  were  clergy- 
men, and  all  of  the  congregational  denomination. 
The  religious  character  of  the  Seminary  has  al- 
ways been  nearly  identified  with  that  of  the  com- 
munity to  which  it  belongs.  Both  were  for- 
merly strictly  calvinistic.  But  during  the  last 
thirty  years  a  change,  almost  imperceptible  at 
first,  and  gradual  in  its  progress,  has  been  taking 
place  in  the  principles  of  the  people  of  that  part 
of  Massachusetts,  from  which  its  overseers,  and 
professors  are  principally  chosen  ;  and,  as  the  ne- 
cessary consequence,  in  the  religious  character  of 
the  college.  A  most  portentous  laxity  of  opin- 
ions in  religion,  tending  to  loosen  its  hold  on  the 
affections  and  the  conscience,  and  depress  the 
christian  faith  towards  the  degraded  level  of  a 
mere  human  system,  has  succeeded  to  the  exact 
definitions  and  unbending  orthodoxy  of  the  puri- 
tanical school.  In  the  theological  appendage 
to  the  institution,  erected  on  a  distinct  foundation 
about  five  years  ago,  graduates  from  all  the  col- 
leges are  admitted,  and  the  indigent  assisted  by 
a  charitable  fund  created  for  the  purpose. 
The  professors  in  this  department  are  under- 
stood to  be  anti-trinitarian  in  their  principles, 
and  the  course  of  instruction  so  adjusted,  as  to 
produce  on  the  minds  of  the  pupils  an  impres- 
sion decidedly  favourable  to  the  same  opinions. 
The    design  of  directly  influencing  the  stu^ 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  47 

dents  in  the  formation  of  their  theological  theo- 
ries, is  however  disclaimed  :  and  the  method  of 
instruction  ostensibly  pursued  is,  to  lay  open 
the  different  religious  systems,  and  explain  the 
grounds  on  which  they  are  severally  held,  and 
thus  to  direct  the  judgment  to  the  adoption  of 
the  most  natural  and  consistent.  Admitting  that 
this  intention  is  honestly  acted  upon,  it  requires 
but  a  slight  observation  of  the  grounds  on  which 
young  men  take  up  their  opinions  on  most  sub- 
jects, especially  in  religion,  to  predict  the  uni- 
form result  of  this  novel  experiment.  It  sup- 
poses that  all  who  enter  the  course,  have  their 
theological  sentiments  yet  to  form.  And,  from 
what  influence  is  it  conceivable  that  such  minds 
will  here  receive  their  first  and  strongest  bias  ? 
Evidently  from  the  authority  of  their  instructers; 
although  no  such  motive  should  be  openly  ap- 
plied. And  every  lesson  in  the  course  must, 
of  consequence  be  suited,  to  produce  more  or 
less  directly,  an  exact  agreement  in  their  general 
opinions,  with  those  of  their  teachers.  The 
authority  which  the  latter  must  thus  exercise 
over  their  minds,  is  naturally  increased  by  the 
flattering  appeal  which  the  avowed  system  of 
instruction,  pursued,  makes  to  their  youthful 
vanity,  by  referring  to  their  premature  and  unin- 
formed judgments,  the  decision  of  questions  in 
theology  on  which  they  admit  that  nearly  the 
whole  christian  church  has  been  in  error  for 
nearly  two  thousand  years !  As  the  advocates 


48  MliMOlH    OF   BACON. 

of  this  new  and  perilous  theology  have  adopted 
no  written  confession  of  faith,  it  is  difficult  ex- 
actly to  define  their  theological  tenets,  and  very 
questionable  whether  they  generally  agree  in  the 
adoption  of  any  particular  system.  They  per- 
haps may  be  better  characterised  as  entirely  dis- 
senting from  the  faith  generally  held  by  the  dif- 
ferent denominations  of  protestant  christians,  as 
orthodox,  than  as  advancing  any  consistent 
scheme  of  their  own.  Their  most  distinguished 
writers  deny  the  doctrines  of  the  trinity  in  unity 
of  the  ever  blessed  God, — the  supreme  divinity 
of  our  Saviour,  and  the  distinct  personality  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  They  generally  agree,  like- 
wise, in  rejecting  the  plenary  inspiration  of  the 
Holy  scriptures,  the  doctrine  of  the  atonement, 
the  original  corruption  of  human  nature,  the  ne- 
cessity of  a  radical  change  of  the  heart  as  a 
qualification  for  future  happiness,  the  eternity  of 
future  punishment,  and  the  direct  influences  of 
the  divine  Spirit  on  the  minds  of  believers. 

The  contrast  which  this  enumeration  of  re- 
jected doctrines  will  present  to  the  mind  ac- 
quainted with  the  faith  of  the  founders  and  prim- 
itive patrons  of  Harvard  College,  and  that  knows 
how  to  calculate  the  difierent  effects  of  truth  and 
error,  cannot  fail  to  awake  the  most  poignant  re- 
flections. May  it  impress  a  salutary  lesson  on 
those  who  are  charged  with  providing  for  tlie  fu- 
ture interests  of  any  particular  branch  of  the 
christian  church ! 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  49 

The  actual  principles  of  a  majority  of  the 
instructers,  corporation,  and  overseers  of  the  col* 
lege,  were  not  at  the  period  of  Bacon's  connex- 
ion with  it,  so  fully  disclosed  nor  so  generally 
known,  as  at  the  present  time.  The  discussion 
of  religious  subjects  then  formed  a  very  small  part 
of  the  business  of  any  of  the  professors,  and 
was  almost  wholly  confined  to  a  small  private 
society  of  the  students.  The  time  of  Mr.  Ba- 
con was  too  much  engrossed  by  literary  pursuits^ 
to  suffer  his  thoughts  to  be  much  occupied  by 
any  other  subjects ;  and  he  appears  to  have  passed 
the  whole  of  this  interesting  period  of  his  life, 
without  any  serious  impressions  in  relation  to  his 
spiritual  interests.  From  the  low  state  of  piety 
in  the  immediate  circle  to  which  his  youth  was 
confined,  the  want  of  competent  and  systematic 
instruction  in  religion  at  that  time,  and  from 
an  allowed  and  long  continued  neglect  of  the 
scriptures,  he  had  for  several  years  cherished  a 
doubt  as  to  the  divine  origin  of  the  christian 
system.  Being  insensible  of  the  natural  repug- 
nance of  the  human  mind  to  the  truths  of  divine 
revelation,  the  absence  of  substantiatory evidence 
formed  the  only  motive  for  its  rejection,  of  which 
he  was  then  conscious.  He  was  even  desirous 
for  a  time,  to  obtain  such  proofs  of  the  truth  of 
Christianity,  as  should  confirm  his  belief  of  it. 
But  he  seldom  resorted  to  the  scriptures  them- 
selves, for  this  evidence ;  and,  it  is  believed, 
rested  rather  in  the  speculations  of  his  own 


so  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

thoughts,  than  weighed  the  evidences^  statecJ  in 
any  approved  defence  of  revealed  religion.  The 
most  criminal  indifference  to  so  weighty  an  in- 
terest, constantly  prevailed  during  the  whole  pro- 
gress of  his  mind,  from  a  state  of  simple  incerti- 
tude, to  confirmed  scepticism.  Infidelity  is,  in 
the  scriptures,  condemned  as  a  sin.  And  the 
justice  of  the  denunciation  of  so  terrible  a 
penalty  as  everlasting  death,  against  this  in 
common  with  every  other  species  of  unbelief, 
is  manifest  from  the  fact,  that  the  sceptic  is  al- 
ways chargeable  either  with  such  vices  as  make 
it  his  interest  that  the  Bible  should  not  be  true  : 
or  with  the  neglect  of  prayer  to  God  for  instruc- 
tion, and  of  that  diligent  examination  of  the 
evidences  of  religion,  which  the  awful  magnitude 
of  the  concern  demands  of  him.  In  all  this 
part  of  his  conduct,  he  sins  against  the  dictates 
of  religion,  and  his  own  natural  impressions  of 
duty ;  and,  if  on  no  other  grounds,  is  liable,  on 
these  alone,  to  the  just  judgment  of  Heaven 
against  all  who  disbelieve  the  gospel. 

Mr.  Bacon  ever  showed  a  peculiarly  affec- 
tionate and  interested  regard  for  children.  His 
most  delightful  occupation  was  that  of  instruct- 
ing, and  training  them  for  future  usefulness,  res- 
pectability and  happiness.  The  arduous  ser- 
vice of  instructing  school  in  the  recess  of  col- 
lege duties,  imposed  by  the  slenderness  of  his 
finances,  w  as  from  this  constitutional  trait,  mate- 
rially mitigated.     He  appears,  to  have  engaged 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  51 

til  it  with  pleasure,  alloyed  only  by  the  conside- 
ration of  its  being  an  impediment  to  the  advance- 
ment of  his  literary  pursuits.  And  he  ever 
gained  a  point  of  no  slight  importance  to  a 
young  man  struggling  into  literary  notice  in  that 
country,  by  uniformly  finishing  his  winter^s  en- 
gagement in  this  business,  with  the  general,  and 
high  approbation  of  his  employers.  The  dili- 
gence and  skill  with  which  he  conducted  the  bu- 
siness of  instruction,  were  no  more  apparent  in 
the  progress  of  his  pupils,  than  the  kindness 
and  beuevolence  of  his  deportment,  in  their 
strong  attachment  to  his  person.  This  latter 
circumstance  could  not  fail  of  securing  the  friend- 
ship of  the  parents,  and  endearing  his  name  in 
the  grateful  rememberance  of  many  who  have 
succeeded  him  on  the  stage  of  active  life. 

By  the  proceeds  of  school-keeping  in  the 
winter,  and  the  more  ungrateful  services  attached 
to  his  "Holden  Freshman"  privilege,  he  defray- 
ed the  expenses  of  his  first  year  in  college.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  second,  he  applied  for 
another  servitorship,  to  which  a  similar  privi- 
lege, with  a  less  laborious  duty,  was  attached. 
This  consisted  in  waiting  on  the  common  table 
of  the  college, — a  duty  which  he  as  cheerfully 
performed,  as  he  availed  himself  of  the  petty 
privilege  of  serving  himself  afterwards  with  the 
mutilated  fragments  to  which  it  entitled  him. 

During  the  third  year  he  retained  the  same 
college  ^•privilege,'*'  and  continued  to  perform 


OZ  MEMOIR    or    BACOX. 

the  same  liumiliating  duties.  The  winter  of  this 
and  the  following  year  was  spent  in  Sudbury, 
Middlesex  county,  in  his  accustomed  employ- 
ment of  school-keeping.  His  labours,  privations 
and  confinement,  brought  on,  in  1806,  a  decline  of 
health,  which  now  threatened  to  interrupt  his  lit- 
erary  pursuits,  entirely,  and  even  in  a  short  time, 
to  bring  him  to  his  grave.  His  complaints  were 
of  a  complicated  character,  and  some  of  the  symp- 
toms alarming.  His  studies  were  still  contin- 
ued ;  nor  was  he  in  a  situation  to  dispense  with  the 
trifling  stipend  to  m  hich  his  attentions  as  college 
waiter,  entitled  him.  Indeed,  during  the  whole 
of  this  year  he  neither  relaxed  in  his  studies,  nor 
abated  any  of  his  accustomed  labours. 

In  the  last  year  of  his  membership,  yielding 
to  the  force  of  necessity,  he  again  accomplished, 
with  great  injury  to  his  health,  and  almost  incredi- 
ble sufferings,  his  customary  term  of  school-keep- 
ing. But  the  effort  was  two  much.  He  returned 
in  March  to  Cambridge,  resumed  his  studies,  and 
imprudently  continued  his  residence  there  until 
May.  It  was  in  vain  longer  to  struggle  against  his 
increasing  and  extreme  debility,  attended  with 
some  of  the  most  alarming  symptoms  of  a  pulmo- 
nary consumption.  He  tore  himself  away  from 
the  scene  of  literary  enchantment  ;  and  was  en- 
abled by  the  seasonable  aid  of  some  generous 
benefactor,  to  indulge  himself  for  a  few  weeks,  in 
several  short  excursions  into  the  interior  of  New 
England.  The  change  of  objects,  society,  and 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  53 

air,  and  especially  the  release  from  the  confine- 
ment and  studies  of  college,  thus  obtained,  pro- 
duced a  trifling  abatement  of  the  most  dangerous 
symptoms  of  his  complaint ;  and  he  revisited 
Cambridge  in  June,  to  attend  the  customary  ex- 
amination of  the  candidates  for  the  first  degree. 
This  examination  is  conducted  in  the  presence 
of  the  corporation,  and  overseers  of  the  college. 
He  appears  to  have  passed  it  with  reputation. 
His  studies  were  however,  not  at  present  to  be  re- 
sumed. He  accordingly  spent  the  remainder  of 
the  summer  and  a  part  of  the  ensuing  autumn, 
either  in  travelling,  or  in  the  society  of  his 
friends.  The  commencement  in  September, 
when  his  class-mates  received  their  degrees, 
he  was  not  able  from  his  illness,  to  attend  ;  and 
continued  several  months,  in  a  state  of  al- 
most hopeless  debility.  He  was  entirely  sensi- 
ble of  the  dangerous  character  of  the  disorder, 
and  of  its  almost  certain  termination  in  his  dis- 
solution. For  several  months  he  expected  the 
event  with  confidence  ;  but  appears  to  have  con- 
templated it  with  composure,  and  even  indijQfer- 
ence.  The  tremendous  prospect  scarcely  extor- 
ted  a  single  cry  for  mercy,  or  excited  a  thought 
for  the  fate  of  his  soul.  This  alarming  destitu- 
tion of  feeling  in  an  accountable  and  rational 
beingjcan  easier  be  accounted  for,  than  vindicated. 
His  life  had  been  uniformly,  and  in  an  uncom- 
mon degree,  upright,  admitting  the  correctness  of 
the  standard  of  duty  which  he  had   adopted. 


01  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

He  cheerfully  recognised  his  obligations  towards 
his  fellow  creatures,  as  far  as  their  present  con- 
venience was  concerned  ;  and  it  was  his  pleasure 
to  fulfil  them  ;  but  this  was  the  limit  of  his  bene- 
volence, and  of  his  most  extended  notion  even  of 
religious  duty.  His  vast  obligations  to  God,  and 
the  Saviour, — obligations  enforced  by  all  the 
goodness  concerned  in  his  creation,  and  preser- 
vation, and  all  the  grace  displayed  in  his  redemp- 
tion, and  which  are  comprehended  in  the  summa- 
ry injunctions  of  both  departments  of  revelation, 
^tolovc  the  Lord,  with  all  the  soul,  the  mind,  and 
the  strength,'— these  obligations,  even  in  the 
confident  autici|)atiou  of  an  early  call  into  the 
presence  of  iiiy  Creator,  were  wholly  unfelt.  Let 
U  be  recollected  that  Mr.  Bacon  at  no  period  of 
his  life,  certainly  nut  at  the  one  now  under  re- 
view,  was  accustomed  to  restrain  his  leflections  on 
other  subjects,  however  grave  and  serious.  On 
topics  of  this  kind,  from  the  natural  sol)riety  of 
his  character,  and  contemplative  turn  of  hi!;! 
mind,  his  thoughts  more  readily  dwelt  than  on 
any  other.  But  they  were  seldom  intently  di- 
rected to  the  concerns  of  his  soul  ;  and  never,  at 
this  period,  were  excited  to  a  state  of  anxiety  or 
even  of  lively  and  interested  inquiry,  in  re- 
spect of  the  future  state  of  his  soul.  His  case 
is  a  common  one.  Death,  to  the  prosperous  man 
of  the  world,  is  usually  little  more  than  the  idea 
of  his  ceasing  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  life :  to 
the  tender  husband  or  parent,  its  most  appalling 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  55 

idea  is  that  of  his  wiikmcil  and  orphan  family ; 
to  the  rich,  it  is  formidal»le  as  involving  a  new 
disposition,  or  the  dissipation  of  his  estate ;  to 
the  scholar,  as  the,  termination  of  his  studies  ;  but 
to  the  languid  and  siillering  victim  of  a  slow 
decay,  it  often  presents  itself  as  opening  an 
obscure  and  gloomy,  bnt  not  unfriendly  asylum, 
from  the  ravages  of  disease  and  pain.  There  is 
indeed,  an  apparent  variety  in  the  views  with 
which  these  different  characters  regard  the  aw- 
ful close  of  their  mortal  existence.  But  suppose 
them  uninfluenced  by  christian  principles,  and 
they  agree  in  more  respects  than  they  differ. 
Death  itself,  and  its  consequences,  as  they  affect 
the  soul,  are  regarded  as  little  more  than  a  final 
sleep,  of  no  importance  except  as  it  alters  their 
relation  to  the  things  of  the  present  life.  The 
convincing  power  of  the  divine  Spirit,  by  dis- 
covering to  the  mind  the  purity  and  extent  of  the 
law  of  God,  by  impressing  on  the  heart  a  sense 
of  his  holiness  and  justice,  and  arousing  the  con- 
science from  its  sleep,  and  false  hope  from  its 
dreams  of  bliss,  can  introduce  a  new  and  awaken- 
ing train  of  reflections  in  the  breast  not  of  the 
dying  only,  but  of  the  living.  Such  a  man  can 
neither  live  nor  die,  without  awful  forebodings, 
and  intolerable  anguish  of  spirit,  till  he  has  some 
assurance  that  his  condemnation  is  reversed,  and 
his  peace  established  in  Heaven.  Mr.  Bacon 
"was  not  so  convinced,  and  saw  the  probable 
approach  of  the  closing  scene  of  his  life  without 


56  MEMOIR    OF    BACON, 

emotion.  But  his  God  was  merciful.  He  had 
in  reserve  for  him,  blessings  of  which  he  had 
never  even  conceived  the  value.  Towards  the 
close  of  autumn  the  most  formidable  of  his 
symptoms  disappeared.  His  returning  health 
was  immediately  laid  under  contribution,  and 
even  forestalled  in  his  eagerness  to  enter  on  a 
course  of  professional  study.  His  aim  had  from 
the  first,  been  elevated,  and  he  was  governed  in 
his  choice  of  a  pursuit  in  life,  by  the  design  of 
securing  the  greatest  possible  measure  of  influ- 
ence. His  successful  exertions  for  the  improve- 
ment of  his  mind  encouraged  him  to  engage  in 
the  study  of  a  science  in  which  an  inferior  genius 
must  sink,  and  mere  mediocrity  of  talents  can 
never  excel. 

He  begun  his  course  of  law  reading  under 
J.  B.  Caldwell,  Esq.  of  Rutland,  a  few  miles  only 
from  the  residence  of  his  father.  His  interrup- 
tions were  frequent,  and  his  progress  for  want  of 
health,  he  considered  very  slow.  From  reasons 
which  do  not  appear,  he,  in  a  few  weeks,  changed 
this  situation  for  another  in  the  same  town,  in  the 
office  of  W.  C.  White,  Esq.  His  progress  un- 
der  this  gentleman,  as  appears  from  a  certificate 
to  which  his  signature  is  affixed,  was  highly  cre- 
ditable to  his  industry  and  his  talents. 

In  July,  1809,  he  seems  to  have  regained  a 
comparatively  comfortable  state  of  health.  In- 
duced by  the  hope  of  contributing  by  his  pen  to- 
wards defraying  his  current  personal  expenses, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON,  57 

all  object  of  which  his  circumstances  never  suf- 
Tered  him  to  lose  sight,  he  removed  to  the  town 
of  Worcester,  and  undertook  the  management 
of  the  National  iEgis,  a  respectable  weekly 
news-paper  of  many  years'  standing  Here  he 
continued  to  pursue  the  course  of  law  reading  on 
which  he  had  entered,  with  his  accustomed  dili- 
gence, under  the  direction  of  Levi  Lincoln,  jr. 
Esq.  at  that  time  the  lieutenant  governor  of  the 
state.  He  was  thus  occupied  until  the  ensuing 
winter.  Meantime  his  unremitting  application  to 
the  multiplied  duties  of  his  new  situation,  alone, 
seemed  to  prevent  him  from  recovering  entirely 
from  the  wound  which  he  had  inflicted  by  the 
same  weapon,  on  an  excellent  constitution.  In 
December  following,  he  found  himself  still  a  val- 
etudinarian. To  a  system  disordered  as  his  was, 
and  exhibiting  a  strong  tendency  to  pectoral  in- 
flammation, and  haemorrhage,  the  severe  eff'ects  of 
a  northern  winter,  in  order  to  be  known,  must  be 
felt.  A  student  subject  to  those  painful  symp- 
toms must  possess  more  than  common,  indeed 
more  than  youthful  fortitude,  who  will  suffer 
any  consideration  of  the  superior  advantages  of 
a  northern  situation  for  acquiring  professional 
qualifications,  to  dissuade  him  from  an  immediate 
removal  to  a  softer  climate.  Mr.  Bacon  was 
now  much  at  his  ease,  excepting  the  single  article 
of  health.  His  talents  and  industry  had  begun  to 
commend  him  to  the  notice,  and  favourable  opin- 
ion of  a  constantly  widening  civcle  of  respecta- 
8 


j8  memoih  of  bacon. 

ble  individuals,  on  whose  future  patronage  and 
friendship  he  might  venture  to  calculate  in  his  fu- 
ture  advancement.  He  was  by  no  means  insen- 
sible to  these  persuasive  motives  for  remaining 
in  Massachusetts.  But  an  infirm  habit  of  body, 
and  its  depressing  effects  on  the  mind,  were  evils 
for  the  removal  or  mitigation  of  which  he  was 
willing  to  forego  all  these  advantages ;  and  ac- 
cordingly yielded  to  the  solicitations  of  an  ac- 
quaintance, residing  in  Philadelphia,  and  then 
on  a  visit  to  Massachusetts,  to  accompany  him 
on  his  return  to  Pennsylvania. 

His  editorial  career  was  too  short,  and  the 
scene  of  it  too  circumscribed  during  his  residence 
in  Worcester,  to  admit  a  fair  display  of  his  tal- 
ents in  that  department  of  literary  labour.  From 
the  general  character  of  the  articles  from  his  pen, 
an  opinion  is  to  be  formed  rather  favourable  to 
his  future  promise,  than  to  his  actual  achieve- 
ments, in  that  capacity.  His  productions  evince 
some  originality  of  thought,  and  considerable 
fertility  of  invention.  They  are  pointed  and 
animated.  But  his  ardour  rises  sometimes  to 
intemperance  of  feeling;  and  his  conceptions 
need  chastening.  He  wrote  with  rapidity,  and 
was  very  impatient  of  the  labour  of  revising  and 
correcting  his  composition.  His  principles  on 
political  and  other  related  subjects,  had  been 
adopted  with  sincerity,  and  were  avowed  with 
candour :  and  he  appears  to  have  been  ever 
ready  to  enter  with  interest  into  any  designs 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON,  59 

having  a  benevolent  aspect  towards  individuals 
or  the  community.  His  taste  for  general  and 
polite  literature,  is  apparent  in  the  insertion  not 
only  of  a  large  number  of  selected  articles  of 
this  character,  but  of  several  of  his  own.  Amons; 
the  latter  are  several  poetical  scraps. 


60  MEMOIK    OF   BACON. 


CHAP.  IIL 

TitE  recovery  of  his  health  was  Mr.  Bacon's 
chief  inducement  to  visit  Pennsylvania.  He 
left  the  exact  line  of  his  future  course  to  be 
marked  out  by  subsequent  events.  The  flatter- 
ing representations  given  by  the  individual  who 
induced  him  to  remove,  of  the  advantages  to  be 
reaped  from  instructing  a  school  in  the  city  or 
vicinity  of  Philadelphia,  in  connexion  with  hi* 
own  strong  predilection  for  that  business,  had 
determined  him  on  the  measure.  What  was 
the  nature  of  those  representations  is  not  stated 
in  his  notes  ;  but  on  his  arrival  in  Philadelphia, 
he  appears  not  to  have  realised  his  anticipations  ; 
and  was  not  quite  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of 
his  too  officious  patron.  He  indeed  derived  from 
him  little  assistance  which  an  entire  stranger 
could  not  as  well  have  afforded  him. 

In  this  country,  nothing  can  be  more  falla- 
cious than  the  hopes  excited  in  young  men  by 
the  promises  of  patronage.  In  whatever  de 
partment  of  life  the  proffered  interest  is  to  be 
exerted  in  their  favour,  the  probable  result  is  the 
same.  The  very  constitution  of  our  society  ren- 
ders the  expectation  of  rising  under  individual 
patronage  most  precarious.  No  individual  is 
secure  for  a  day  of  being  able  to  retain  the  in- 
fluence over   any  portion    of  the    community^ 


MEMOIR   OF  BACON.  6l 

wbicli  he  believes  himself  to  possess.  He  may. 
at  any  time,  be  required  to  struggle, — and 
struggle  in  vain,  perhaps,  with  the  popular  cur- 
rent, to  maintain  his  own  interest.  The  con- 
nexion from  which  a  young  man  may  have  ex- 
pected important  benefits,  so  far  from  assisting, 
may  thus  come  to  prove  the  greatest  detriment  to 
his  advancement.  These  remarks  will  be  seen 
to  have  a  special  application  to  the  profession  of 
the  law.  But  they  must  be  true  as  general 
maxims,  so  long  as  society  is  young  in  America, 
and  probably  as  long  as  the  republican  principle 
remains  unchanged  in  the  government,  and  so 
largely  pervades  all  the  inferior  departments  of 
the  community.  Success  in  no  honourable  pur- 
suit can  reasonably  be  anticipated  on  any  other 
condition  than  that  of  the  blessing  of  God, 
upon  diligent,  persevering,  and  upright  indus 
try. 

Mr.  Bacon  found  himself  on  arriving  in 
Philadelphia  in  December,  1809,  in  a  very  un- 
pleasant  predicament.  His  small  provision  of 
cash  was  nearly  out ;  no  opportunity  of  obtain- 
ing a  school  in  that  city  presented  itself:  with 
the  exception  of  the  individual  already  named, 
he  was  in  the  midst  of  entire  strangers  :  of  his 
recommendations  addressed  to  individuals  he 
seems  never  to  have  made  much  use  :  his  health 
was  still  infirm,  and  his  spirits  liable  to  extreme 
depression ;  and,  as  the  greatestcalamity  of  all,he 
was  a  stranger  to  the  consolations  and  resources 


6Z  MEAIOIR    OF    BACOK. 

of  religion,  A  cheerless  infidelity  had  usurp- 
ed in  his  mind  the  place  of  a  resigned  con- 
fidence in  the  guardianship  of  Heaven ;  and  con- 
verted any  just  impressions  of  the  doctrine  of  a 
particular  providence  and  the  universality  of  the 
divine  presence  and  agency,  that  might  remain, 
into  a  source  of  dread,  rather  than  of  relief. 
But  religion  at  this  time  afforded  him  about  as 
little  annoyance  as  peace.  It  was  not  the  sub- 
ject  which  occupied  his  attention.  But  even  at 
this  period,  when  a  strong  impulse  of  natural 
affection  was  raised  in  his  breast,  his  thoughts 
would  immediately  recur  to  the  topics  of  conso- 
lation and  hope,  suggested  by  Christianity.  Ac- 
cording to  these  would  be  all  the  expressions  of 
his  feelings,  and  the  benedictions  which  they 
would  prompt  him  to  invoke  upon  the  objects  of 
his  solicitude  and  love.  A  singular  inconsis- 
tency !  which,  however,  proves  that  even  the 
constitutional  qualities  of  a  sceptical  mind,  in  or- 
der to  be  amiable,  are  obliged  to  appear  to  syni- 
lolize  with  the  evangelical  system. 

After  a  short  stay  in  Philadelphia,  he  pro- 
ceeded on  foot,  and  alone,  into  the  interior  of 
Pennsylvania,  in  search  of  a  school.  The  win- 
ter had  commenced,  and  on  his  arrival  at  Lan- 
caster, his  strength  was  quite  exhausted.  Being 
unsuccessful  in  his  application  for  a  situation 
here,  he  proceeded  on  the  last  day  of  December, 
to  York,  which  he  had  been  induced  to  visit  by 
the  prospect  of  obtaining  the  situation  of  classical 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  03 

leaclier  in  a  seminary  of  that  place,  Laving  the 
name  of  "  York  College.''  This  place  he  knew 
to  be  vacant;  and  during  his  stay  at  Lancaster, 
had  disposed  his  recommendations  in  such  a 
form  as  to  give  him,  he  thought,  a  fair  chance  of 
succeeding  in  his  application  for  it.  Soon  after 
his  arrival,  the  trustees  of  the  seminary  were 
convened  to  consider  his  claims  to  the  appoint- 
ment ;  and  after  organising  the  session  in  due 
form,  "  I  was  ushered,"  he  states,  ^^  into  the 
room,  and  was  thus  addressed  by  their  Rev. 
President  :  *  Sir,  we  have  no  doubt  but  you  have 
a  good  education  :  the  people  of  your  country 
generally  have  ;  but  we  wish  to  know  how  you 
can  write.'  I  directly  turned  on  my  heel  with  a 
flush  of  indignation,  saying  to  the  gentlemen  as 
I  retired,  that  it  was  no  part  of  ray  object  in 
presenting  myself  there,  to  be  examined  in  pen- 
manship, or  spelling.''  On  further  inquiry  he 
learnt  that  this  college  was  then  on  the  footing 
of  the  common  schools,  and  that  the  situation  for 
which  he  had  applied,  was  little  more  than  that 
of  an  abecedarian  professorship.  Without  the 
means  of  travelling  in  the  public  stage,  and  too 
independent  to  be  obliged  to  the  generosity  of 
strangers,  he  soon  after  left  York,  on  foot,  for 
Carlisle.  The  roads  were  bad,  and  the  wcathet" 
severe.  He  arrived  in  four  days  j  and  expe- 
rienced  the  same  ill  success  in  the  object  of  his 
search,  which  had  uniformly  befallen  him  on  this 
unpleasant  excursion .    Proceeding  from  Carlisle 


64  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

to  Shippensburg,  he  here  found  himself  utterly 
exhausted,  and  seriously  ill.  He  threw  himself 
into  the  stage,  immediately,  and  returned  back 
to  Lancaster,  as  he  then  thou2;ht  }vith  all  the 
comfortless  indifference  of  infidelity,  '^  to  die." 
His  circumstances,  and  the  brooding  melau- 
uholy  of  his  temper,  at  this  time,  favoured  the 
progress  of  disease  in  his  system.  But  he  was 
mercifully  saved  from  the  grave;  and  in  a  few 
weeks  sufficiently  recovered  to  renew  his  inqui- 
ries for  a  school.  He  availed  himself  of  the 
recommendations  with  which  he  was  furnished, 
and  used  the  influence  of  all  the  friends  which 
they  procured  him,  and  at  length  opened  a 
school,  in  Lancaster,  beginning  with  five  scho- 
lars. Singular  as  the  fact  may  be  viewed,  a  few 
years  hence,  he  encountered  very  formidable  op- 
position in  the  pursuit  of  this  humble  object,  and 
from  gentlemen  of  the  first  respectability,  on 
account  of  Jiis  supposed  political  principles. 
Such  was  the  strength  of  party  feeling  at  this 
time  in  Pennsylvania.  It  had  imparted  a  taint 
to  the  most  upright  and  dignified  minds,  and 
with  the  virulence  of  a  social  pestilence,  even 
infested  the  commerce  of  humble  life.  A  few 
partisans  alone,  understood  the  true  cause  of 
the  popular  agitation.  The  loudest  in  the  cla- 
mour could  commonly  give  no  rational  account 
of  the  abstract  principles  which  they  so  boiste- 
rously espoused,  or  of  the  motives  of  their  own 
't)nduct.     The  same  characteristic  may  be  ap- 


MEMOIE    OF    BACON.  65 

plied  to  almost  every  scene  of  violent  political 
commotion  in  the  nation.  The  existence  of 
parties,  and  a  high  excitement  of  party  zeal  ap- 
pear to  be  evils  inseparable  in  the  present 
state  of  human  nature,  from  the  form  of  govern- 
ment to  which,  under  Heaven,  we  are  indebted 
for  so  many  public  and  social  blessings. 

In  the  useful  but  arduous  sphere  of  labour 
into  which  Mr.  Bacon  had  now  entered,  he  re- 
mained until  April,  1812.  His  scholars  multi- 
plied in  this  period,  to  an  hundred  and  fifty : 
nor,  if  his  talents,  his  education,  his  predilec- 
tion for  the  business  of  instruction,  and  the  ar- 
dour with  which  he  prosecuted  it,  are  considered^ 
will  this  increase  be  otherwise  regarded  than 
as  their  natural  consequence.  The  pleasure  re- 
sulting from  perceiving  the  success  of  his  exer- 
tions, and  from  promoting  on  a  broad  scale,  the 
improvement  of  the  young,  was  the  chief  motive 
which  prompted  to  these  extraordinary,  and  dis- 
interested labours.  Not  only  were  the  proceeds 
of  his  school  wholly  expended  on  itself,  but  a 
debt  of  several  hundred  dollars  annually  con- 
tracted by  its  indefatigable  principal  for  perfect- 
ing his  system  of  instruction.  He  had  in  the 
same  period,  without  any  improper  interference^ 
united  under  his  immediate  superintendence^ 
nearly  all  the  different  schools  in  the  place.  A 
library  of  five  hundred  volumes  was  purchased 
for  their  use ;  the  standard  of  education  consider- 
ably raised,  and  the  most  efficient,  and  an  iini- 
9 


66 


MKMOIR    OF    BACOK. 


form  mode  of  instruction  pursued  in  them  alL 
Mr.  Bacon  had  the  pleasure  of  perceiving  the 
unreasonable  opposition  experienced  in  the  outset, 
from  several  gentlemen  of  great  influence,  gra- 
dually, and  entirely  disappear,  and  but  one 
sentiment  of  approbation  and  satisfaction  prevail 
among  all  classes  of  his  employers. 

The  trait  which  shone  so  advantageously  in 
Mr.  Bacon  while  occupied  in  these  arduous  la- 
bours, is  fully  illustrated,  and  some  important 
maxims  relative  to  the  government  of  youth  very 
happily  conveyed,  in  a  manuscript,  dated  in  the 
camp,  some  years  subsequently  to  the  period 
under  review.  It  appears  to  be  the  copy  of  a 
letter  addressed  to  some  person  who  had  succeed- 
ed him  in  one  of  his  schools,  and  applied  for 
advice  in  relation  to  the  system  of  discipline 
which  Mr.  Bacon  had  adopted  with  so  much 
success.  The  appositeness  of  the  remarks  will 
excuse  the  anachronism  of  their  introduction  in 
this  place. 

*^  Yours  of  the  8th  instant  needs  no  apology.'- 
"  When  you  speak  of  my  children^  you  touch  a 
chord,  which,  like  the  harp  of  Memnon,  needs 
but  a  breath,  to  make  the  vibrations  long  and 
deep."  <<  My  long  intercourse  with  youth,  and  a 
long  and  habitual  reciprocation  of  the  relative 
duties,  cares  and  pleasures,  of  teacher  and  pupil, 
have  wrought  a  sort  of  second  nature  in  me  ;  so 
much  so,  that  the  very  term,  ^  youth,'  is  sacred, 
consecrated  to  innocence   and  purity."     "  For 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  67 

these  reasons  you  may  be  sure  it  must  have  been 
one  amongst  the  many  painful  events  of  my  life 
to  leave  my  children  of  *  *  *  *  especially  as 
that  also  may  be  considered  the  final  period  of 
my  school-keeping.  But,  sir,  you  will  allow 
me  to  say,  that  I  think  the  difficulties,  of  which 
you  complain,  are  rather  imaginary  than  real. 
The  same  avenues,  through  which  I  approached, 
or  perhaps,  gained  possession  of  their  hearts,  are 
etill  open  for  your  access. ^ — To  every  teacher, 
when  he  first  enters  on  his  duties,  the  very  nature 
of  youth  seems  to  address  itself,  in  the  inimita- 
ble language  of  the  Highland  Bard, 

"  O  come  you  in  peace  here,  or  come  you  in  warP' 
If  he  enter  his  little  dominion  with  all  the  terri- 
ble insignia  of  pedagogical  domination  displayed, 
he  must  gain  his  ground  by  inches.  But  if  he 
'  come  in  peace,'  if  he  come  like  a  good  angel, 
seeking  after  objects,  on  which  to  exercise  his 
mercy,  and  pour  forth  the  expressions  of  his 
good  will,  the  youth  of  his  care  will  throw  them- 
selves into  his  arms,  and  give  up  to  him  their 
hearts,  and  even  that  wonderful  faculty,  the  un- 
yielding will.  In  plain  phrase,  if  he  love  them^ 
they  will  love  him.  Go  on.  Appear  to  be,  and 
really  be,  anxious  for  their  good  ;  labour  for  this 
object  in  word  and  in  deed  ;  and  rely  on  it,  sir, 
they  must  be  affected  by  it ;  and  while  the  prin- 
ciples of  human  nature  remain  unchanged,  they 
will  love  you  in  return.'^ 


68  MEMOIR    OF    BACOX. 

It  can  hardly  be  necessary  to  state,  tbat  dur- 
ing this  period,  his  professional  studies  were 
almost  quite  suspended.  It  was  no  part  of  his 
character  to  be  capable  of  moderating  the  pur- 
suit of  his  main  object,  so  as  to  leave  him  much 
leisure  for  attending  to  any  other.  His  inqui- 
ries on  religion  seem  to  have  been  nearly  discon^ 
tinued  ;  its  ordinances  either  seldom  frequented, 
or  indifferently  attended  ;  and  the  dominion  of  sin 
acquiring  the  most  complete  ascendancy  over 
all  the  powers  of  his  mind. 

His  deportment  was,  however,  strictly  cor- 
rect ;  and  although  he  suffered  his  own  miud 
indolently  to  acquiesce  in  a  vague  system  of 
deism,  he  seldom  or  never  used  either  argu- 
ment or  persuasion  with  others,  in  order  to  in- 
duce  any  change  of  their  religious  principles. 
Severely  sarcastieal  occasionally,  in  his  repre- 
hension of  the  excrescences  which  had  in  different 
forms,  grown  out  of  the  morbid  state  of  particular 
branches  of  the  christian  community,  his  con- 
viction, if  not  of  the  sacredness,  yet  of  the  util- 
ity of  the  moral  principles  of  Christianity  itself, 
effectually  restrained  him  from  openly  assailing 
the  system  ;  or,  as  far  as  appears,  of  wishing 
for  its  general  rejection.  He  even  enforced  those 
precepts  constantly  on  the  minds  of  the  youths 
under  his  care.  Although  his  candour  at  a  sub- 
sequent period,  brought  him  to  a  confession  of 
having  entertained  all  the  negative  characteris- 
tics of  infidelity ;  it  is  but  too  safe  a  presumption 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  69 

diat  thousands  who  pass  themselves  for  the 
friends  of  the  christian  religion,  are  inwardly 
infected  with  an  equal  degree  of  the  same  tor- 
pid infidelity.  To  many  of  his  intimate  asso- 
ciates at  this  time,  the  lurking  poison  of  his 
doubts  and  disbelief  in  relation  to  our  holy  re- 
ligion, was  undiscovered. 

In  the  summer  of  1810,  his  spirits  were  re- 
duced to  the  lowest  state  of  depression,  in  con- 
sequence of  bodily  indisposition,  and  the  pres- 
sure  of  incessant  and  increasing  cares,  and  a  full 
conviction  of  the  vanity  of  worldly  expectations  ; 
to  all  which  may  be  added  the  constant  annoy- 
ance of  a  burdened  conscience.  The  unhappi- 
ness  experienced  from  this  latter  cause,  was  felt, 
but  not  understood.  He  found  himself  wretched 
in  the  extreme,  and  existence  itself  an  intolerable 
burden.  He  knew  of  no  remedy  :  and  at  one 
period  fully  resolved  on  hazarding  the  awful  ex- 
periment of  suicide.  But  the  hand  of  God  ar- 
rested him,  and  prevented  the  execution  of  his 
purpose. 

From  May  to  December,  of  the  same  year, 
he  edited  a  small  weekly  paper,  denominated  the 
"  Hive,"  which  had  some  years  previously,  been 
published  in  the  same  place  ;  and  which,  with 
considerable  exertion,  he  revived,  to  experience 
in  a  few  months,  a  similar  doom,  for  want  of  pa- 
tronage. Its  character  was  miscellaneous,  and 
the  editorial  articles  relate  chiefly  to  subjects 


70    ,  MEMOIR   OF    BACON. 

which  his  own  pursuits  and  studies  had  render- 
ed familiar  to  his  thoughts. 

Of  this  publication,  Mr.  Bacon  remarks, 
^*It  never  obtained  a  very  extensive  patronage, 
perhaps  did  not  deserve  it."  Its  pages  exhibited 
not  so  properly  a  variety,  as  a  medley  of  articles  ; 
of  which,  far  the  largest  proportion  were  inser- 
ted rather  for  the  amusement  than  edification  of 
their  readers.  Nearly  one  half  of  these  were 
fugitive  pieces  from  Mr.  Bacon's  own  pen. 
They  are  indeed  neither  marked  with  chasteness 
of  style,  nor  evince  much  refinement  of  taste  in 
their  author ;  but  they  bear  ample  testimony  to 
his  industry,  the  fertility  of  his  invention,  and 
the  captivating  vivacity  of  his  imagination. 
The  journal  contains  several  poetical  produc- 
tions accompanied  with  copious  notes ;  which 
discover  a  more  than  ordinary  talent  for  this 
species  of  composition,  and  an  extensive  but 
not  very  accurate  acquaintance  with  ancient  and 
modern  classical  literature.  His  pieces,  with 
scarcely  an  exception,  were  despatched  to 
press  in  an  unfinished  state,  both  in  regard  to  the 
treatment  of  their  subjects,  and  the  character  of 
ilieir  phraseology  ;  and  show  rather  what  the 
writer  might  have  accomplished  in  this  species 
of  authorship,  with  suflBcient  leisure  and  care, 
than  actually  lay  the  foundation  for  any  lasting 
literary  reputation.  Mr.  Bacon's  productions 
are  distinguished  from  those  of  all  the  occasion- 
al contributors  to  his  miscellany,  by  their  ori- 


MEMOIR    OP    IJACON.  71 

.finality,  and  a  certain  redundancy  of  broken 
classical  imagery  :  but  the  most  correct,  perbaps 
the  ablest  pieces,  were  from  the  pens  of  some 
of  his  correspondents.* 

Mr.  Bacon's  labours  in  Lancaster  were 
neither  appreciated  nor  rewarded  as  they  deser- 
ved to  be.  But  as  he  had  enjoyed  signal  suc- 
cess, and  could  contemplate  his  exertions  with  a 
high  degree  of  satisfaction,  he  was  too  well  plea- 
sed with  the  situation  to  seek  for  any  other.  In 
March,  181S,  he  unexpectedly  received  a  polite 
and  urgent  invitation  from  the  trustees  of  the 
school  already  mentioned  under  the  name  of 
York  College,  to  remove,  and  take  charge  of  that 
Institution.  This  call,  he  soon  resolved  to  ac- 
cept, on  the  condition  of  receiving  a  suflBcient 
advance  of  money  from  the  trustees,  to  pay  off  the 
debts  incurred  on  account  of  his  schools  in  Lan- 
caster. The  condition  was  complied  with  on  the 
part  of  the  trustees,  without  hesitation,  and  he 
accordingly  resigned  his  charge,  and  repaired  to 
York,  on  the  first  of  April. 

By  the  suggestion  of  a  young  officer  of  Ma- 
rines, at  that  time  stationed  at  Lancaster,  he  had 
several  months  previously,  sent  in  to  the  Execu- 
tive an  application  for  a  commission  in  the  same 
corps.  Of  the  success  of  this  application  he 
never  entertained  but  little  expectation  ;  and  at 
the  time  of  making   his  engagement  with  the 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  IV. 


'7^  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

trustees  of  the  York  academy,  the  circumstance 
of  the  applicatiou  scarcely  occurred  to  his 
thoughts.  But  when  on  the  point  of  departing  to 
fulfil  his  engagement  at  York,  he  was  surprised 
with  the  arrival  of  a  commission.  Tlie  appoint- 
ment was  to  a  second  lieutenancy  in  the  marine 
corps.  Having  written  to  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  corps,  an  account  of  his  situation, 
he  proceeded  directly  to  York,  and  undertook 
the  charge  to  which  he  had  engaged  himself; 
and  in  a  few  days  after,  received  from  Washing- 
ton a  furlough  for  six  months.  His  devotion  to 
the  interests  of  the  school  during  this  period, 
was  entire ;  and  his  success  equal  to  that  which 
had  distinguished  his  former  labours.  On  the 
expiration  of  his  furlough,  in  October,  he  repair- 
ed to  Washington,  and  joined  his  corps.  The 
enthusiasm  of  his  character  was  adapted  to  a 
military  life ;  and  a  quick  and  operative  sense 
of  honour,  by  which  his  feelings  were  uniformly 
distinguished,  was  likely  to  ensure  a  faithful 
and  prompt  discharge  even  of  the  most  laborious 
and  perilous  services.  He  shortly  acquired  a 
good  practical  knowledge  of  the  military  art,  as 
far  as  the  duties  of  his  station  required  ;  and 
was  eager  for  a  more  active  participation  in  the 
labours  and  hazards  of  war  than  the  appointment 
of  the  service  seemed  likely  soon  to  allot  to  him. 

In  March,  1813,  he  was  ordered,  by  his  own 
request,  from  Washington  to  New  York,  to  take 
charge  of  the  guard  of  the  Argus  Sloop  of  war^ 


MEMOIR    OP    BACOX.  73 

then  lying  in  that  harhour.  By  some  oversight 
the  same  command  had  been  previously  given 
to  an  officer  of  inferior  rank  ;  and  he  remained 
in  quarters,  at  New  York,  until  tlie  ensuing  Au- 
gust. He  was  now  recalled  to  Washington,  and 
on  the  first  of  September,  received  the  appoint- 
ment of  quarter -master  of  the  corps,  which  he 
accepted.  In  this  capacity  he  continued  to  serve 
eighteen  months,  when  he  resigned  the  appoint- 
ment, and  was  reinstated  in  the  rank  to  which 
the  regular  course  of  promotion  entitled  him. 
Destitute  of  that  inward  fear  of  God^  and 
that  principle  of  obedience  to  his  authority, 
which  alone  canrender  the  soul  superior  to  the  ty- 
rannical laws  of  a  perverted  and  spurious  honour; 
and  a  stranger  to  the  power  of  divine  grace  in 
restraining  the  inordinate  dominion  of  the  pas- 
sions, he  was  easily  seduced  by  pride  and  re- 
sentment,  to  engage  in  a  duel  with  an  officer  of 
the  same  corps,  on  the  pretext  of  terminating 
some  trivial  disagreement.  His  antagonist  in 
this  rash  and  criminal  enterprise,  had  formerly 
been  one  of  his  most  intimate  and  confidential 
friends,  to  whom  he  had  once  regarded  himself  as 
under  very  particular  obligations  !  Which  of  the 
parties  was  the  aggressor  and  deserved  the  seve- 
rest reprehension,  in  the  quarrel  which  led  to  this 
affair,  it  is  no  part  of  the  writer's  object,  and 
cannot  be  that  of  the  christian  reader,  to  inquire. 
Suffice  it  to  say,  that  Mr.  Bacon  lived  to  express 
the  deepest  abhorrence  of  the  unnatural  act,  and  to 
10 


7*  MEMOIR    or    BACON, 

regard  the  individual  who  participated  with  him 
ill  the  sin  and  the  peril  of  it,  with  a  feeling  of 
affection  and  respect,  which  all  the  hlood  that 
has  ever  flowed  in  voluntary  assassinations  could 
never  inspire.  The  wretchedness  of  a  common 
apostacy,  and  the  blood  of  an  universal  atone- 
ment, to  the  faith  of  a  christian,  cannot  fail  to 
present  such  considerations  as  must  bind  him 
with  the  tie  of  essential  brotherhood  to  every 
individual  of  his  species.  On  the  basis  of  this 
sublime  view  of  the  mutual  relations  of  men^ 
was  Mr.  Bacon's  benevolence  for  all  his  fellow- 
men,  eventually  established.  Under  the  influence 
of  this  spirit,  suppose  him  to  receive  an  injury 
which  should  directly  affect  his  character.  Still, 
it  must  be  a  brother  who  inflicted  it ;  and  whom, 
because  he  was  his  brother^  it  would  be  impos- 
sible for  him  to  injure  in  return.  Mr.  Bacon's 
subsequent  detestation  of  the  practice  of  duelling 
was  likewise  founded  on  the  knowledge  which 
faith  had  revealed  to  him  of  the  strictness  and 
purity  of  God's  holy  laws,  and  the  ^  exceeding 
sinfulness  of  sin.'  In  an  interview  v/hich  the 
writer  enjoyed  with  him  a  very  few  months  be- 
fore his  death,  the  subject  of  duelling,  with  spe- 
cial reference  to  his  own  case,  was  casually  ad- 
verted to  in  the  conversation.  He  remarked,  very 
seriously,  that  "  duelling  is  unquestionably  mur- 
derous :  but,  do  not  let  us  suppose  duellists  and 
assassins  are  the  only  murderers.  Where  is  the 
man  that  is  not,  in  the  sight  of  God,  chargeable 


MEMOIR   OF   BACOJv'.  75 

with  all  that  is  essential  to  that  and  every  other 
abomination  which  can  be  named  ?  In  his  jud^^- 
ment,  we  are  all  by  nature  much  nearer  a  level 
than  we  are  apt  to  suppose."  The  enlightened 
christian  will  be  able  to  appreciate  the  real  hu- 
mility of  these  sentiments.  The  feeling  w^hich 
prompted  them  was  an  abhorrence  of  all  iniqui- 
ty too  absolute  to  admit  of  his  restricting  the 
condemnation  of  it  to  any  particular  act  of  liis 
own,  or  any  one  species  of  sins  in  general.  In 
the  affair  alluded  to,  he  received  a  severe  wound 
in  the  thigh,  which  disabled  him  from  active  duty 
for  several  weeks. 

On  the  last  day  of  May,  1814,  he  married 
Miss  Anna  Mary,  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Bar- 
nitz,  Esq.  of  York,  in  Pennsylvania,  to  whom 
he  had  been  for  more  than  two  years,  very 
tenderly  attached.  This  union  was  produc- 
tive of  much  happiness  to  both  the  parties,  dur- 
ing its  very  brief  continuance ;  and  to  the  wi- 
dowed survivor,  was  the  occasion  of  an  infinite 
benefit,  with  which  the  highest  anticipations  of 
mere  earthly  felicity,  are  unworthy  of  a  com- 
parison. ^'  This  event,"  he  writes,  ^'^  produced 
new  feelings,  and  new  principles  of  action.  I 
was  deeply  interested  in  the  happiness  of  my  wife; 
and  was  almost  compelled  io  fray.  This  prac- 
tice I  seldom  afterwards  omitted ;  and  came 
by  degrees  to  believe  in  the  holy  scriptures. 
Deistical  objections  had  suddenly  and  unaccoun- 
tably ceased  to  trouble  me,  and  I  read  my  lon^ 


76  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

neglected  Bible  with  assiduity  and  the  deepest  in- 
terest.  But/'  he  observes,  in  continuation,  ^^  aftev 
all,  I  confess  that  I  had  no  religion,  and  had  no 
serious  intention  of  seeking  it.  I  did  not,  in- 
deed, think  a  change  of  heart  necessary." 

All  this,  perhaps,  can  be  justly  resolved  into 
the  operation  of  mere  natural  aflVction.  His 
marriage  had  given  him  an  interest  in  an  object 
for  whose  happiness  his  benevolence  was  more 
distinctly  called  into  exercise  than  it  bad  ever 
been  before,  for  any  other.  The  blessing  of  a 
superior  Power  was  earnestly  desired,  on  her  ac- 
count ;  but  on  the  dreary  plan  of  mere  deism, 
could  be  sought  with  no  possibility  of  being  ob- 
tained.  He  began  now  to  be  sincerely  willing 
that  the  scriptures,  and  the  christian  scheme, 
should  be  true, — and  little  more  was  necessary 
in  order  to  open  his  eyes  upon  the  evidence 
which  proves  them  so.  This  process  of  feeling 
and  reasoning,  the  result  of  which  ultimately 
proved  so  salutary,  however  it  may  be  explain- 
ed  on  mere  natural  principles,  was  neverthe- 
less conducted  by  the  invisible  finger  of  that 
God,  who  is  the  author  of  nature  itself,  and  the 
sovereign  disposer  of  all  subordinate  causes. 
Many  of  his  prejudices  against  Christianity  con- 
tinned,  even  while  he  admitted  the  truth  of  the 
system. 

The  whole  summer  of  1814,  Lieut.  Bacon 
was  detained  at  AVashington.  On  the  18th  of 
June,  he  was  promoted  to  a  captaincy  in   his 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  77 

corps.  Except  the  few  weeks  during  which  the 
English  forces  remained  on  the  waters  of  the. 
Chesapeakcj  his  division  of  the  corps  was  not 
called  out  on  active  d(i(y.  'I'his  season  of  leisure 
afforded  him  opportunity  to  renew  the  study  of 
the  law  ;  of  which  he  very  industriously  avail- 
ed himself.  His  marriage  seems  to  have  social- 
ised his  feelings,  by  rousing  him  from  that  state 
of  morbid  melancholy  into  which  his  mind  in  soli- 
tude, was  accustomed  to  subside.  As  the  effect  of 
this  improved  habit  of  feeling,  he  oftener  in  the 
absence  of  his  wife,  repaired  to  church  on  Sun- 
days, read  the  scriptures,  and  attended  to  other 
religious  duties  : — his  pride  and  infidelity  in  the 
form  of  a  dark  and  sickly  despondency  of  tem- 
per, having  formerly  stood  much  in  the  way  of 
these  observances. 

On  the  9th  of  January,  ISif),  he  was  admit- 
ted to  the  bar,  in  Washington,  having  some 
months  previously,  entered  himself  as  a  student 
in  the  office  of  J.  Law,  Esq.  of  this  city.  His 
qualifications  were  considered  respectable. 

Soon  afterwards  he  was  taken  suddenly  and 
spriously  ill :  and  from  solitude,  the  expecta- 
tion of  death,  and  a  conscious  want  of  prepar- 
ation for  the  event,  his  mind  became  more  com- 
pletely awakened  to  the  impressions  of  religion 
than  it  had  !)een  since  the  days  of  his  childhood. 
He  read  the  scriptures  witli  increased  avidity  and 
interest,  and  prayed  with  a  fervour  and  affection 


78  MEMOIR    OF    liACOX. 

unfelt  before.*  This  show  of  piety  continued  no 
longer  tliau  its  cause  lasted.  He  found  no  diffi- 
culty, on  recovering  his  health,  to  resume  his 
former  habit  of  iudilTcrence.  It  was  however 
the  preposterous  indifference  of  a  mind  which 
indolently  acquiesced  in  the  truth  of  Christianity,, 
But  he  never  afterwards  apostatised  to  deism. 

Mr.  Bacon's  mind  was  susceptible  in  a  very 
unusual  degree^  to  tlic  impressions  of  kindness  ; 
and  no  feeling  could  be  more  easily  inspired  in 
it  than  gratitude.  This  sentiment  sometimes  took 
a  decidedly  religious  cast,  whenever  he  happen- 
ed  to  see  the  connexion  of  his  happiness  or  his 
success  in  life,  with  an  overruling  providence. 

The  birth  of  his  son  in  the  month  of  March, 
was  an  event  well  suited  to  call  into  strong  action 
this  constitutional  feeling  of  his  mind  ;  and  pro» 
duced  a  fervent  acknowledgment  of  the  unme- 
k'ited  goodness  of  God,  and  a  general  purpose  of 
living  more  obediently  to  his  commands.  But 
this  pious  transport  was  only  the  gush  of  a  mere 
natural  affection,  and  soon  spent  itself. 

About  the  same  time,  and  while  attached  to 
the  marine  service,  he  was  licensed  to  practise 
law  in  the  courts  of  York  county,  in  Pennsylva- 
nia. On  the  resignation  of  his  staff  appoint- 
ment, in  May,  he  repaired  to  York,  on  the  re- 
cruiting service ;  and  on  the  first  of  August, 
opened  an  Attorney's  office  in  that  place.     The 

®  See  Appendix,  Note  V. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  79 

luultiplicatiorij  and  perhaps  the  very  nature  of 
his  labours  in  this  new  profession,  proved  highly 
detrimental  to  his  better  interests.  He  soon  be- 
came inflamed  with  the  desire  of  distinction 
and  emolument,  and  entangled  with  a  host  of 
cares,  which,  to  a  mind  and  temper  like  hisj 
were  especially  vexatious ;  and  all  together,  ef- 
fectually diverted  his  thoughts  from  the  pursuits 
of  religion. 

But  Heaven  was  preparing  a  shaft  to  go 
through  his  soul,  and  remind  him,  by  the  seve- 
rest pang  it  had  ever  inflicted,  of  the  precarious 
nature  of  his  best  earthly  enjoyments.  His 
youthful  and  amiable  wife  had  nearly  recovered 
her  accustomed  health,  when  she  became  sud- 
denly ill  of  a  nervous  complaint,  attended  with 
very  alarming  symptoms.  Medicine  was  baffled. 
Hope  hung  trembling  over  the  sinking  patient^, 
for  a  few  days ;  and  reluctantly  quitting  its 
charge,  left  the  agonising  husband  to  watch  her 
last  convulsions.  He  saw  her  expire  on  the 
SSth  of  August,  1815.  The  circumstances  of 
her  death  were  such  as  afterwards  filled  him 
with  a  melancholy  pleasure  to  recollect  them. 
The  strength  of  her  faith,  and  the  vigour  of  her 
hopes  afforded  her  not  only  an  easy  conquest  of 
the  last  enemy,  but  a  sublime  triumph  over  all  hig 
terrors.  But  the  disconsolate  husband  was  at 
the  time  overwhelmed  with  unutterable  distress, 
Heindeed,  saw  in  the  stroke,  the  hand  of  Omnipo- 
tence, and  trembled.  Bathe  was  neither  humbled 


8U  MEMOUi    OF    UACOK. 

untlei"  it,  nor  constrained  to  withdraw  liis  heart, 
nor  his  coiiridenci%  from  the  worlVl.  The  wound 
in  a  few  weeks  ceased  to  bleed  :  he  resumed  his 
accustomed  avocations ;  and  surrendered  him- 
self, as  before,  to  the  mingled  torrent  of  pas- 
sions  and  cares  which  make  up  the  busy  life  of 
a  man  of  the  world. 

The  active  ardour  with  which  Mr.  Bacon 
prosecuted  his  professional  and  other  labours^ 
would  be  very  inadequately  represented,  by  call- 
ing him  merely  industrious.  His  legal  know- 
ledge was  never  profound  :  but  that,  together 
with  all  his  other  acquirements,  was  eminently 
adapted  to  an  object  of  which  he  seems  never  to 
have  lost  sight, — to  attain  to  eminence,  as  an 
efficient  practical  character.  This  purpose  was 
partly  theresult  of  the  constitutional  impetuosity 
of  his  feelings,  and  the  benevolence  of  his  heart, 
which  led  him  naturally,  to  connect  the  design 
of  practical  usefulness  with  all  his  plans ;  and 
partly,  was'  the  dictate  of  dispassionate  and 
sound  judgment.  Mr  Bacon  knew  himself  to 
be  constitutionally  better  lifted  for  action  than 
study;  and  very  properly  judged  that  l)is  most 
strenuous  eflbrts,  at  this  period  of  his  life,  to 
become  accurately  learned  in  the  theory  of  his 
profession,  would  be  baffled  by  those  very  quali- 
ties which,  with  due  cultivation,  might  render 
hira  eminently  useful  as  a  practitioner.  He 
rapidly  advanced  in  his  profession ;  and  soon 
acquired  an  extensive  practice.     He  was  inde- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  81 

fatigable  in  his  attention  to  the  business  put  into 
his  hands  ;  and,  in  no  known  instance,  depart- 
ed from  tliat  unbending  line  of  integrity  which^ 
through  life,  he  most  scrnpulously  observed. 
His  habitual  generosity  was  exercised  to  the 
same  liberal  extent,  as  in  the  more  circumscribed 
sphere  which  he  had  formerly  held.  "  From 
his  papers  which  have  come  to  my  hands  since 
his  decease,"  writes  an  intimate  friend,  "  I  have 
found,  that  in  several  instances  where  his  poor 
clients  were  pressed,  he  had  advanced  consider- 
■  able  sums  to  relieve  them  without  a  hope  of  ever 
being  repaid."  To  the  same  pen  the  writer  is 
likewise  indebted  for  the  additional  information, 
that "  Mr.  Bacon  not  only  spoke  with  great  flu- 
ency, but  often  with  eloquence,  at  tlie  bar ;  and 
even  in  the  dry  details  of  a  law-speech,  he  ex- 
hibited a  richness  and  exuberance  of  mind  that 
always  excited  interest." 

Mr.  Bacon  at  this  period  enjoyed  a  healthy 
habit  of  body,  and  a  comparatively  equable  tem- 
perament of  mind  ;  possessed  a  good  classical  and 
legal  education  ;  a  moral  character,  in  the  eye  of 
the  world,  untarnished  :  and  such  an  experimen- 
tal acquaintance  with  tlie  world,  as  the  daily  in- 
tercourse of  several  years  with  men  of  every  grade 
and  description,  was  able  to  impart.  Such  quali- 
fications soon  gave  him  a  commanding  influence 
in  the  community  of  which  he  was  now  a  member. 
When  he  resigned  his  commission  as  captain 
ofmarines,  in  November,  181.^,  he  had  received 
11 


8S  MEMOIR    or     UACON. 

the  appointinesit  of  deputy  attorney  of  the  Uni- 
ted  States  district  coiur,  for  York  and  Adams, 
in  Pennsylvania ;  and  was  soon  after  elected 
Major  of  a  regiment  of  the  Militia.  His  exer- 
tions for  improving  the  organization  and  disci- 
pline of  the  militia,  during  the  three  years  of 
his  residence  in  York,  were  unremitting  and  suc- 
cessful. His  situation  in  short,  united  almost 
every  ingredient  which  enters  into  the  world's 
definition  of  felicity ;  and  to  the  mind  which  aspires 
after  no  better  happiness  than  results  from  the 
most  propitious  external  circumstances,  it  must 
have  been  enviable.  But  it  is  necessary  only  to 
appeal  to  the  experience  of  every  reader,  in  or- 
der to  convey  to  him  the  best  idea  of  that  cheer- 
less, and  distressing  vacuity  of  mind,  which  still 
preyed  on  his  internal  peace.  He  was  too  hon- 
est not  to  be  conscious  of  the  secret  disgust  which 
he  felt  towards  the  very  things  which  he  was  re- 
solved should  make  him  happy.  He  had  al- 
ways aimed  to  possess  the  best  gi'fts  of  the  world, 
and  at  this  time,  could  conceive  of  nothing  bet- 
tcr.    But  he  was  not  happy. 


MEMOIlt   OF   BACON.  83 


CHAP.  IV. 

No  speculation  could  be  wilder  or  more  ad- 
venturous, than  to  attempt  to  trace,  in  the  ever 
varying  sensations  of  a  soul  so  susceptible  and 
so  active  as  Mr.  Bacon's,  the  precise  method 
observed  by  the  divine  Spirit  in  producing  a 
proper  conviction  of  gin,  and  ^renewing  his  mind 
after  the  image  of  Christ.'  Omniscience  alone 
can  interpret  all  the  minute  actings  of  the  affec- 
tions ;  and  separate  from  the  compound  of  pas- 
sion, imagination,  and  mere  animal  sensations, 
the  operations  of  divine  grace.  But  the  Spirit 
of  God  seldom,  or  never  converts  the  soul  of  an 
adult  sinner,  without,  in  some  stage  of  the  work 
exciting  strong  emotions  :  and,  as  incidents  and 
circumstances  make  up  the  tissue  of  every  man's 
life,  they  come  necessarily  to  be  associated  with  the 
divine  work  itself.  Still,  the  change  itself  which 
the  scriptures  so  fully  describe,  and  so  expressly 
pronounce  to  be  an  indispensable  qualification 
for  salvation,  is  of  the  most  simple  character; 
and  essentially  distinct  from  all  attendant  cir- 
cumstances. The  seat  of  it  is  in  the  moral  fa- 
culties of  the  mind  ;  and  it  essentially  consists 
in  a  supernatural  translation  of  the  affections 
from  self,  sin,  and  the  world  ;  and  their  steady 
and  confirmed  attachment  to  holiness,  and  to 
God.    Every  heir  of  life  has  experienced  this 


84  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

change ;  and  evinces  its  reality  by  a  conduct 
which  a  rational  man  would  naturally  expect 
him  to  exhibit.  He  separates  himself  from  the 
pursuit  of  the  lusts,  vanities,  and  pomps  of  life, 
and  whatever  else  the  change  of  his  affections  has 
rendered  distasteful  and  odious ;  and  follows  af- 
ter righteousness,  peace,  temperance,  purity, 
faith,  Heaven, — all  things,  in  short,  which  the 
Spirit  of  God  has  taught  him  supremely  to  love 
and  value.  Where  these  substantial  proofs  of 
conversion  are  found, — admit  that  the  man  is  de- 
ceived in  many  of  his  own  feelings  ;  admit  that  he 
is  weak,  ignorant,  or  superstitious ;  that  his  imagi- 
nation ilUules  him  with  its  extravagant  and  vision- 
ary creations  :  his  weaknesses  are  no  doubt  to  be 
pitied, — but,  who  is  authorised  to  pronounce  him 
merely  because  weak  or  visionary,  devoid  of  the 
grace  of  life  ?  A  cloud  floating  in  our  atmos- 
phere, may  obscure  the  face  of  the  sun  ;  but  can- 
not blot  it  from  the  system  :  its  reiiection  may  be 
broken  and  ruffled  in  the  agitated  pool ;  while  the 
luminary  itself  holds  its  orbit  undisturbed,  and 
pours  a  steady  light.  Grace  may  reign  in  the 
soul,  and  govern  the  life,  while  a  superstitious 
imagination  deforms  the  heavenly  principle,  and 
ignorance  clouds  the  understanding  which  it  per- 
vades. 

The  mysterious  grace  of  God  which  was  soon 
to  make  of  the  subject  of  this  narrative,  a  distin- 
guished^ vessel  of  mercy,' had,  unperceived  and 
even  without  his  distinct  concurrence^  wrought 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  8f» 

a  gradual  preparation  in  his  mind  for  thn 
thorough  renewal  which  followed.  His  feelings 
were  sooner  excited,  and  his  thoughts  more  ea- 
sily fixed,  by  tlie  truths  of  religion,  than  for- 
merly. He  visited  his  native  place  for  the  last 
time,  in  September,  1816 :  saw  in  many  of  his  for- 
mer acquaintances,  a  verymanifestchange  of  reli- 
gious cl;aracter  ;  and  seems  to  have  been  particu- 
larly struck  with  the  alteration  wrought  by  the 
same  cause,  in  the  domestic  scene.  His  aged  fa- 
ther was  drawing  to  the  close  of  his  protracted 
pilgrimage  in  a  devout  and  peaceful  frame, — the 
manifest  offspring  of  a  living  faith  in  his  Redeem- 
er ;  and  appeared  to  derive  such  a  sublime  delight 
from  communion  with  his  God,  and  from  the  va- 
rious exercises  of  his  worship  and  praise,  as  ar- 
rested the  attention,  and  excited  some  serious  re- 
flection*! in  the  mind  of  Samuel.  On  the  night 
succeeding  the  second  day  of  his  homeward  jour- 
ney, he  had  retired  to  his  chamber  in  health,  and 
enjoyed  an  unusual  redundancy  of  animal  spirits. 
The  world  and  its  pursuits  presented  themselves 
to  his  imagination  in  their  most  attractive  forms. 
He  dwelt  upon  his  own  prospects  in  life  with 
delisihtful  anticipations,  and  was  employing  his 
thoughts  in  arranging  plans  of  future  advance- 
ment and  emolument.  By  a  strange  bodily 
sensation,  the  cause  of  which  does  not  very 
plainly  appear,  the  vision  was  annihilated  in  a 
moment ;  and  he  fully  believed  himself  in  the 
agonies  of  death.    His  respiration  was  burden- 


86  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

ed  almost  to  suffocation ;  and  a  paroxysm  of 
exhaustion,  distress  and  convulsions,  seized  upon 
the  vital  parts  of  the  system,  and  seemed  to  his 
affrighted  imagination,  to  threaten  immediate 
dissolution.  He  then  felt  his  unfitness  to  die, 
and  could  contemplate  in  the  eternity  before  him, 
only  a  justly  offended  Grod,  and  a  world  of 
dteadful  retribution.  His  cries  were  reused  in 
an  agony  of  despair  and  terror,  to  the  burning 
throne :  but  they  were  offered  without  faith, 
and  procured  him  no  relief.  He  felt  himself,  to 
employ  his  own  language,  '^  withering  under  the 
touch  of  death,"  and  perishing,  without  an  hour's 
reprieve,  or  a  ray  of  hope.  He  petitioned  for  a 
day, — for  a  few  hours,  only,  of  respite,  from  the 
instant  doom  which  he  felt'  impending ;  and 
tacitly  resolved,  with  the  solemnity  of  a  religious 
vow,  to  consecrate  the  precious  moments  which 
sliould  be  afforded,  wholly  to  the  preparation 
of  his  wretched  soul  for  judgment.  Whether 
the  imagination,  or  some  physical  affection  be 
supposed  the  piincipal  cause  of  this  distressing 
paroxysm,  its  effects  were  the  same.  The  ex- 
pectation  of  immediate  death  could  not  have 
been  more  strongly  impressed  by  any  cause 
whatever:  and  the  event  itself  could  scarcely 
have  increased  his  alarm  and  terror.  On  ob- 
laiuing  relief,  he  ratitied  his  resolutions  by  a 
deliberate  promise  to  seek  the  Lord's  favour 
ontil  he  obtained  it.  The  reader,  but  moderately 
skilled  in  the  deceitfuluess  of  his  own  heart,  has 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  87 

^ilready  anticipated  tlie  fate  of  resolutions  origi- 
nating  as  these  did.  Mr.  Bacon  spent  the  ensu- 
ing day  thoughtfully.  He  more  than  once  ad- 
dressed a  forced  petition  to  Heaven.  The  im- 
pression daily  got  fainter;  till,  on  his  arrival  ia 
Philadelphia,  he  was  the  same  thoughtless 
worldling  as  before. 

His  health  was  again  aflPected.  A  strong 
temptation  to  violate  the  Sabbath  by  travelling 
unnecessarily,  occurred  at  the  same  time,  and  en- 
snared  him.  His  conscience  was  again  arous- 
ed, and,  assisted  in  its  rebukes  by  the  recollec- 
tion of  vows  so  recently  violated,  stung  him  to  a 
transport  of  mental  agony  little  short  of  mad- 
ness. Often  did  he  check  the  reins  of  his  horse, 
half  resolved  to  proceed  no  further.  An  habi- 
tual seriousness  rested  on  his  mind  from  this 
time,  until,  with  his  returning  health  he  suffered 
himself  to  be  overwhelmed  with  the  cares  of  busi- 
ness. Still,  he  continued  to  read  the  scrip- 
tures, but  lost  that  earnest  spirit  of  inquiry 
which  on  the  occasions  of  his  late  alarm,  so  en- 
tirely occupied  his  mind.  He  likewise  found 
all  his  convictions  and  purposes,  too  inoperative 
to  engage  him  in  a  course  of  habitual  prayer. 
He  did  not,  for  several  weeks,  repeat  even  the 
Lord's  prayer.  In  this  one  trait,  the  difference, 
how  marked  !  between  the  unconverted  formalist, 
and  the  humble  believer.  *  Will  the  hypocrite 
always  call  upon  God  V  is  an  interrogative, 
which,  in  the  answer  it  dictates,  explains  the 


88  MEMOIR    OF    BACOF. 

true  cause  of  Mr.  Bacon's  uniformly  decliti", 
ing  seriousness,  and  tlic  failure  of  liis  best  pur- 
poses and  attempts  in  religion.  Without  Christy 
apprehended  and  formed  in  the  soul  by  a  living 
faith,  the  sinner  can  do  nothing.  Armed  with  the 
might  of  a  divine  Helper,  the  weakest  believer 
is  enabled  to  adhere  with  general  and  persever- 
ing consistency  to  the  sincere  purpose  which  he 
ventured,  with  much  trembling,  and  deep  self- 
distrust,  to  conceive  before  his  God.  The  very 
consciousness  of  his  insufficiency  constrains  him 
incessantly  to  cry  to  his  Saviour  for  more  grace. 
Thus  is  secured  his  steady  attendance  on  this  vi- 
tal exercise  of  the  christian.  And  his  prayer  is 
heard.  He  is  never  left  without  that  supply  of 
the  Spirit  of  grace  which  answers  his  present 
need,  and  enables  him  to  render  a  consistent ^ 
however  imperfect,  an  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands of  Christ.  Mr.  Bacon  had  not  embraced, 
and  did  not  confide  in  the  promise,  ^  my  s;race 
shall  be  sufficient  for  thee.'  He  was  according- 
ly left,  to  learn  by  repeated  and  a2:2;ravatpd  re- 
lapses, his  own  insufficiency.  Here  is  the  point 
loo,  which  very  many  who  commence  a  relisjious 
course,  never  pass  :  and  either  resst.  through  life, 
in  around  of  mechanicfrl  and  heartless  services  ; 
or,  as  more  commonly  happens,  utterly  aposta- 
tise from  the  pursuit  of  religion,  and  become 
its  worst  opposers. 

The  fear  of  death  shortly  invaded  him  again  ; 
excited  a  guilty  conscience,  to  discharge  its 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON,  SQ 

dreadful  office  with  still  bitterer  criminations;, 
and  more  alarming  anticipations  than  before ; 
and  after  many  hours  of  fruitless  supplication, 
subsided  into  a  tranquil  calm  of  the  soul.  This 
visitation  of  the  hand  of  God  he  was  not  able 
to  forget  entirely.  He  gave,  from  this  period,  a 
more  constant  attendance  on  preaching  ;  read 
the  Bible,  prayed,  bought  religious  books,  and 
without  discovering  his  intention  to  any  one,  was 
disposed  to  make  religion  a  very  serious  matter 
both  of  inquiry  and  practice.  He  still  appears 
to  have  been  a  stranger  to  Jesus  Christ,  the 
source  and  channel,  of  all  efficient  spiritual  in» 
fluences.  The  word  sown  in  his  heart  was  still 
on  ^  the  stony  ground  where  it  had  not  much  depth 
of  earth ;'  and  however  promising  in  appearance, 
was  without  root,  and  'in  the  hour  of  temptation, 
withered  away.'  He,  indeed,  was  convinced  that 
he  had  not  attained  to  a  state  of  safety ;  but,  for  a 
short  time  had  too  much  confidence  in  the  effica- 
cy of  his  own  dead  works  "  performed  without 
grace"  to  advance  him  to  that  desirable  state,  to 
relinquish  his  dependence  on  them,  and  trust 
alone,  in  the  righteousness  of  Christ.  With  the 
root  of  self- righteousness  still  vigorous  in  his 
heart,  was  united  its  inseparable  concomitant, 
great  ignorance  of  the  way  of  salvation,  by  faith* 
This  indeed,  is  a  mystery  which  can  be  fully 
learnt  only  by  experience.  But  Mr.  Bacon 
appears  not  to  have  possessed  even  that  theoret- 
ical knowledge  of  the  important  docti-ine  wWch 
IS 


90  MEMOIR    OF    BACOK. 

many  persons,  as  destitute  of  saving  faith  a-^ 
himself,  have  nevertheless,  acquired.  Whik 
he  continued  to  acquit  himself,  with  tolerable 
regularity,  in  the  duties  to  which  he  was  now 
addicted,  his  conscience  slumbered  ;  and  a  vagu© 
hope  of  finally  escaping  the  wrath  of  God,  and 
obtaining  his  favour,  held  him  fast  in  its  delusion. 
But  God  again  suffered  him  to  fall  by  a  train  of 
temptations,  an  easy  prey  to  sins,  which  he 
could  not  reconcile  with  the  character  even  of 
a  sincere  and  earnest  inquirer  in  religion.  He 
had  been  invited  by  his  gay  associates,  to  unite 
with  them  in  a  scene  of  fashionable  dissipation ; 
and  so  utterly  destitute  of  firmness  to  withstand 
the  solicitation  did  he  find  himself,  that  he  yield- 
ed an  almost  unhesitating  compliance.  While 
participating  in  this  frivolous  amusement,  all 
serious  reflection  was  stifled  ;  and  he  was  con- 
scious of  no  other  restraint  on  the  levity  of  his 
feelings,  than  that  which  the  laws  of  decency 
and  custom  impose.  He  was  at  this  time,  in 
Lancaster.  On  his  return  to  York,  the  next 
day,  he  had  leisure  to  review  his  conduct,  in 
the  black  shade  thrown  over  it  by  the  recollec- 
tion of  violated  resolutions  and  vows,  and  the  con- 
sciousness of  having  offered  a  direct  resistance 
to  the  suggestions  of  the  divine  Spirit,  and  of 
violating  his  own  knowledge  and  convictions  of 
duty.  He  perceived  that  he  had  not  only  been 
overcome  by  the  temptation,  but  vanquished  al- 
most without  an  opposing  struggle.     His  reflec- 


MEMOIR   OF    BACON.  91 

lions  were  distracting ;  and  hurried  him  into  a  state 
of  mind  but  little  short  of  despair.     He  dared  not 
even  pray  for  forgiveness.    Either  the  agitation 
of  his  thoughts,  or  real  indisposition,  impressed 
strongly  on  his  imagination  the  expectation  of 
sudden  death.    His  health  again  became  sensibly 
affected ;  and    he   ventured   to   pray  only  for 
strength  to  reacli  home,  and  permission  to  die 
in  the  midst  of  his  friends.    He  arrived.    But  hie 
spirit  fouud  no  rest :  it  had  received  a  wound^ 
Vi^hicU  every  recollection  aggravated,  and  all  his 
attempts  to  heal  were  worse  than  idle.    The  hand 
of  the  Almighty  had  inflicted  it,  and  the  remedy 
was  only  with  himself.     He  read  the  scriptures, 
prayed,  wept,  but  to  no  purpose.     He  was  even 
tempted  to  drown  his  anguish   in  intoxication  : 
but  God  mercifully  overruled  the  intention.     His 
imagination  was  still  full  of  the  apprehension  of 
a  sudden  death — and  while  he  repressed   the 
open  expression  of  his  feelings,  he  more  than  once 
took  a  final  leave  as  he  supposed,  of  his  child, 
and  his  friends.     His  inward  anguish  and  alarm 
so  far  predominated  as  to  overcome,  at  length,  the 
pride  of  heart  which  had  hitherto  restrained  him 
from  availing  himself  of  the  counsel  and  society 
of  his  pastor  and  christian  friends.     It  cost  him 
even  now,  a  severe  struggle  to  withdraw  himself 
from  a   number  of  his    customary    associates, 
and  go  and  unbosom  himself  to  the  clergyman  on 
whose  ministry  he  attended.     In  this  interview, 
ti)  employ  his  own  phraseology,  "  he  cried  and 


9^  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

roared  aloud  :''  and  it  was  not  until  he  had  freely 
given  vent  to  the  strongest  of  his  feelings,  that  he 
could  utter  his  errand  in  intelligible  language. 
The  clergj'man  found  it  needful  to  appease  the 
violent  agitation  of  his  mind  ;  and  afterwards 
imparted  to  him  a  variety  of  counsel ;  the  purport 
of  all  which  seems  to  have  fallen  much  short  of 
Mr.  Bacon's  expectations  ;  and  he  returned  dis- 
appointed and  dejected.  Perhaps  no  pastoral 
duty,  not  even  that  which  the  ordinary  death-bed 
calls  upon  a  minister  to  perform,  is  so  awfully  mo- 
mentous, or  so  difficult,  as  that  of  directing  the 
mind  of  a  convinced  and  thoroughly  awakened 
sinner  into  the  narrow  path  of  salvation.  Advance, 
he  must :  and  the  very  next  step  taken  in  such  a 
crisis,  may  be  decisive  of  his  eternal  doom. 
The  skilful  physician  will  endeavour  to  accom- 
modate the  advice  afforded  in  different  cases,  to 
their  respective  circumstances ;  but  the  example  of 
the  primitive  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
very  nature  of  the  sinner's  wants  unite  in  deter- 
mining that  counsel  to  be  the  safest,  and  generally 
far  the  most  beneficial,  which  shall  most  magnify 
the  ofiBces  of  the  Saviour,  and  enforce  an  im= 
mediate  recourse  by  faith,  to  his  cross.  The 
more  intelligibly  this  act  of  faith  can  be  explain » 
ed  to  his  mind,  and  the  more  essential  to  his  sal» 
vation,  it  can  be  made  to  appear,  the  more  effi- 
cacious, as  a  means  of  grace,  the  advice  will  be 
likely  to  prove.  The  inquirer  himself,  it  is  al- 
ivays  to  be  presumed,  is  a  very  incompetent 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  93 

judge  of  the  treatment  best  adapted  to  his  own 
case.  Mr.  Bacon's  disappointment,  on  this  oc- 
casion, to  whatever  it  might  be  owing,  was  pro- 
bably serviceable  to  him  ;  as  it  more  eifectually 
taught  him  the  fallacy  of  all  expectations  of  re- 
lief not  founded  on  the  mercy  and  power  of  God 
alone.  The  perusal  of  "  Doddridge's  Rise  and 
Progress,"  which  was  put  into  his  hands  at  the 
time,  was  an  important  help  ;  as,  by  preserving 
him  from  absolute  despair,  it  gave  him  the  power 
of  concentrating  his  thoughts  without  distraction, 
on  the  great  doctrines  of  salvation.  His  time 
was  as  much  devoted  to  inquiry  on  these  subjects, 
and  to  public  prayer,  as  his  secular  avocations 
would  permit.  Thenceforward  he  mingled  more 
freely,  than  ever  before,  in  the  circles  of  the 
pious,  and  found  a  great  advantage  in  their  so- 
ciety. It  was  by  no  means  the  least,  that  he  was 
at  once  delivered  from  many  of  the  temptations 
and  dangers,  unavoidably  growing  out  of  his 
former  connexions.  The  spirit  of  grace  con- 
tinued gradually  to  enlighten  his  mind,  with  a 
clearer  knowledge  of  the  gospel ;  and  in  a  few 
weeks,  he  found  himself  able  to  repose  his  soul 
with  a  happy  confidence  on  his  Saviour. 

At  what  moment  the  gift  of  faith  was  first 
imparted,  and  his  heart  brought  to  bow  with  en- 
tire submission  to  the  yoke  of  Christ,  does  not 
plainly  appear.  But,  from  the  period  to  which 
this  part  of  the  narrative  refers,  he  seems  never, 
even  for  a  day,  to  have  remitted  the  pursuit  of 


0-4  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

his  salvation ;  and  scarcely  to  have  declined,  by 
a  single  relapse,  from  those  high  attainments  in 
faith  and  holiness,  which  he  was  enabled  through 
an  abundant  supply  of  grace,  to  make  with  a  ra- 
pidity seldom  exceeded  by  the  most  ^favoured 
christian.  But  it  will  be  seen,  that  the  original  cor- 
ruptions of  his  heart  were  not  at  once,  eradicated, 
Hor  the  current  of  habit  reversed,  by  an  absolute 
exertion  of  divine  power.     But  grace  eventually 
accomplished  this  work  by  engaging  all  the  pow- 
ers of  his  mind  in  a  long  and  arduous  course  of 
exertion,  vigilance  and  self-denial.    His  conflicts 
were  often  sliarp  and  painful :  but  commonly  of 
momentary   continuance.     The  fervency  of  his 
prayers,  and  the  habitual  prevalence  of  a  vigo- 
rous faith  gave  him  an  easy  and  rapid  conquest 
of  his   spiritual  foes.      Nearly  every  struggle 
against  sin  proved  to  him  the  occasion  of  a  new 
victory  over  it,  till,  by  a  dispensation  as  merciful 
to  him,  as  mournful  to  the  world  he  left,  he  was 
early  translated  to  the  scene  of  his  everlasting 
triumph. 

The  preceding  narrative  has  brought  down 
Mr.  Bacon's  history  to  the  month  of  April,  1817. 
Sensible  of  the  deficiency  of  his  knowledge  in 
religion,  and  in  conformity  with  an  excellent 
usage  of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  he  lost 
no  time  in  enrolling  himself  among  the  catechu- 
mens under  its  nurture  and  instruction.  The  con- 
nexion was  consummated  on  the  24th  and  25th  of 
May,  by  his  baptism,  and  admission  to  the  holy 


ivieMoir  of  eacox.  9.^ 

communiun.  His  participation  in  these  ordi- 
nances of  his  Saviour  was  not  attended  with  all 
that  immediate  henefit  which  many  have  derived 
from  them.  Indeed,  tlie  standard  of  liis  attain- 
ments in  piety,  which  he  at  first  proposed  to  him- 
self,  was  far  from  being  elevated  ;  and  lie  nei- 
ther sfought,  nor  expected  those  abundant  com- 
munications of  the  love  of  Christ  which  he  af- 
terwards so  happily  realised.  But  his  face  was 
immoveably  set,  and  his  heart  steadfastly  di- 
rected in  the  pursuit  of  eternal  life.  All  inde- 
cision on  the  main  question  of  devoting  his  life 
to  the  service  of  God  was  eifectually  excluded. 
He  appears  from  the  commencement  of  his  re- 
ligious life  to  have  "■  continued  instant  in  prayer ;' 
and  made  the  regular  and  frequent  attendance  on 
this  duty  in  private,  a  part  of  the  stated  business 
of  every  subsequent  day  of  his  life;  and  in  this 
one  practice,  consisted^the  principal  means  of  his 
uniform  growth  in  grace,  and  eminent  attainments 
in  holiness.  The  most  distinguishable  features  in 
his  early  religious  character  were  deep  humility, 
and  a  spirit  of  ardent  supplication  :  to  both  of 
which,  the  most  express  promises  of  increasing 
grace  are  made  in  the  word  of  God.  Although 
connected  with  the  Lutheran  church,  he  confined 
neither  his  intercourse,  nor  his  fellowship,  to  the 
members  of  that  communion.  He  particularly  de- 
lighted to  mingle  with  the  little  associations  of 
praying  souls,  belonging  to  different  christian  de- 
nominations in  the  place,  who  *  often  assembled 


96  MEMOIR   or    BACOI'^. 

themselves  together' agreeably  to  the  ad  vice  of  the 
apostle,  for  mutual  exhortation  and  united  inter- 
cessions before  the  throne  of  their  common  Lord. 
In  this  edifying  practice  the  members  of  four  or 
five  different  communions  were  harmoniously 
united.  Mr.  Bacon  had  perhaps,  too  precipi- 
tately, as  he  afterwards  supposed,  attached  him- 
self to  the  Lutheran  church.  It  is  certain  that 
many,  and  indeed  most  of  his  chosen  associates, 
in  whom  was  found  that  congeniality  of  reli- 
gious feelings  and  views,  which  alone  could  now 
lay  the  foundation  for  an  intimate  christian  inter- 
course, belonged  to  other  denominations.  And 
whether  the  piety  of  the  members  of  this  church, 
generally,  was  of  a  lower  order,  or  whether  the 
customary  expressions  of  it  only,  were  of  a  less 
ardent  cast,  he  soon  found  in  other  churches  the 
means  of  spiritual  enjoyment  and  improvement, 
of  which  he  had  not  been  able  to  avail  himself  so 
fully  in  his  own.  The  use  of- the  German  lan- 
guage likewise,  in  which  the  ministrations  of  the 
Lutheran  church  were  frequently  conducted  for 
the  benefit  of  a  part  of  the  congregation,  interrupt- 
ed the  progress  of  his  own  improvement,  in  this 
communion.  For  these  reasons,  principally, 
the  worship,  and  general  character  of  the  Epis- 
copal church  on  whose  public  and  occasional 
services  he  frequently  attended,  soon  acquired 
a  decided  preference  in  his  mind.  Believing 
that  his  own  advancement  in  grace  would  be  con- 
siderably promoted  by  a  direct  connexion  with 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  9/ 

it,  he  accordingly  removed  his  relation  from  the 
Lutheran,  to  this  communion,  a  very  few  months 
only  after  his  union  with  the  former.  Of  the 
expediency  of  this  step,  christians  of  different 
persuasions  will  judge  variously.  He  ever  after- 
wards, regarded  it  as  highly  conducive  to  his 
personal  comfort,  and  public  usefulness ;  but 
regretted  sincerely,  the  painful  sacrifice  of  feeling 
which  it  cost  him  to  dissolve  his  connexion  with 
a  christian  communion,  to  which  he  had  many 
reasons  for  cherishing  a  strong  attachment. 

Although  occupied  in  no  ordinary  degree,  in 
the  momentous  concerns  of  religion,  he  abated 
nothing  of  the  diligence  due  to  his  secular  du- 
ties. He  had  been  appointed  in  February,  of 
this  year,  prosecuting  Attorney  for  the  county  of 
York,  and  was  deeply  engaged  in  the  business 
of  his  profession.  His  industry  was  however, 
the  result  of  a  new  set  of  principles,  and  ter- 
minated in  objects  essentially  different  from  any 
which  had  previously  animated  it.  The  love  of 
the  world  had  subsided,  and  the  strength  of  his 
ambition  for  human  distinction,  was  for  ever 
slain  by  the  exhibition  which  faith  had  afforded 
him  of  his  suffering  Saviour's  cross. 


13 


98  MEMOIR    OF    EA€ON. 


CHAP.  V. 

Indolence  was  no  trait  of  Mr.  Bacon's  cliai 
acter :  nor  was  it  compatible  with  the  imitation 
of  that  Saviour's  example,  or  the  spirit  of  his 
religion,  whom  he  had  voluntarily  received 
as  his  Lord  and  Master.  To  do  good  to  others 
became  the  next  object  of  his  ardent  desire,  after 
he  became  satisiied  of  his  own  interest  in  so 
great  a  benefit,  as  the  regeneration  and  com- 
mencement of  spiritual  life,  in  his  own  heart 
His  thoughts  were  naturally  directed  to  the  min- 
istry, as  the  most  eiVectual  means  of  advancing 
his  Saviour's  interests  in  the  world,  and  apply- 
ing the  blessings  of  his  gospel  to  the  souls  of  men. 
But  for  nearly  two  years  a  survey  of  the  respon- 
sibilities of  that  office,  an  enlightened  view  of 
the  requisite  qualifications*  and  a  lively  percep- 
tion of  his  own  deficiencies,  overawed  the  timid 
aspirations  of  his  mind  to  so  high  a  vocation. 
And  the  wisdom  and  kindness  of  God  are  now 
apparent  in  the  delay  which  intervened.  He 
was  to  be  thoroughly  disciplined  for  the  hol^' 
work,  the  sincerity  of  his  zeal  fully  attested, 
and  the  measure  of  his  experience  and  know- 
ledge greatly  extended,  by  an  humbler,  and 
perhaps,  quite  as  useful  an  occupation.  Some 
thousands  of  neglected  children  w^ere  destined 
to  receive  through  him  the  rudiments  of  a  chris- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  99 

tian  education ;  and  the  cause  of  Sabbath  school 
Instruction,  to  derive  from  his  example  and  la- 
bours, a  practical  demonstration  of  its  excellence 
and  utility,  wliich  the  exertions  of  no  other  in- 
dividual in  this  country  had  so  fully  aiforded. 

No  field  of  benevolent  labour  could  have 
presented,  which  promised  to  reward  the  cul- 
ture that  such  talents  as  Mr.  Bacon's  were  em 
inently  calculated  to  bestow  upon  it,  with  a  rich- 
er Iiarvest.  The  care  and  instruction  of  youth 
and  children,  were  always  favourite  objects  of 
his  attention.  He  habitually  regarded  them  not 
merely,  as  the  prattling  inmates  of  the  domestic 
sanctuary  ;  but  as  destined  to  become  the  con- 
stituent members  of  human  society,  sustaining  on 
their  own  shoulders  the  mighty  fabric,  and  occu- 
pied in  transacting  its  most  weighty  concerns. 
While  they  waited  only  for  their  predecessors  to 
retire  and  give  them  their  appointed  place  on  the 
stage  of  life,  his  benevolence  prompted  him  to 
seize  the  golden  opportunity  with  a  zeal  ap- 
proaching to  enthusiasm  ;  and  to  infix  in  their 
minds  the  knowledge  and  principles,  of  which 
their  destination  was  so  soon  to  require  the  appli- 
cation. The  prospect  which  animated  these  ex^ 
ertions  was  now  expanded  to  infinity  itself;  and 
even  what  related  to  the  present  world,  was  en- 
larged to  comprehend  the  interests  of  religion,  tjie 
vast  amount  of  human  happiness  connected  with 
it,  and  the  future  prosperity  of  the  churcli  of 
God.    He  had  likewise,  from  long  experience 


100  MEMOIR    OF   BACOX. 

in  training  the  young  mind  to  improvement,  be- 
come thoroughly  acquainted  with  its  charactevj 
and  eminently  skilled  in  its  management.  Sel- 
dom bad  be  failed  to  secure  tbe  affection  and 
the  confidence  of  bis  pupils. 

He  lost  no  time  in  resolving  to  undertake,  in 
the  fear  of  God,  something  for  the  spiritual  ben- 
efit  of  this  interesting  class  of  immortals.  The 
Sunday  School  system  appeared  to  promise  ad- 
vantages, which  no  other  known  method  of  ju- 
venile  religious  instruction  possessed.  The 
surprising  multiplication  of  these  institutions 
during  the  last  thiriy  years  can  have  left  very 
few  in  any  part  of  Protestant  Christendom,  en- 
tirely unacquainted  cither  with  their  origin,  or 
happy  effects.  Their  original  design  was  to  re- 
claim from  a  habit  of  profaning  the  sacred  day, 
and  to  instruct  in  the  rudiments  of  learning  and 
moraliiy,  the  children  of  the  lowest  classes  of  the 
poor,  whose  education  Avould  else  have  been 
utterly  neglected. 

The  individual  who  fust  conceived  the  be- 
nevolent scheme,  and  partially  reduced  it  to 
practice,  was  Robert  Raikcs,  a  member  of  the 
society  of  Friends  in  Gloucester,  England. 
His  personal  exertions  commenced  in  1/81  ;  and 
all  the  advantages  of  tbe  system,  were,  for  about 
two  years,  confined  to  the  children  of  that  single 
town.  His  example  at  length,  began  to  find 
imitators ;  and  the  christian  public  came  by 
degrees,  to  discover  that  tbe  system  of  Sunday 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  101 

school  instruction  offered  the  most  effectual  re- 
medy  which  had  ever  been  applied  to  the  igno- 
rance, irreligion,  and  innumerable  other  moral 
and  social  evils  arising  out  of  the  neglected  edu 
cation  of  the  poor.  Persons  of  all  denominations 
with  whom  the  improvement  of  the  condition  of 
the  poor  had  been  a  matter  of  solicitude,  began 
to  collect  the  neglected  children  and  youths 
within  their  iniluence,  and  place  them  under 
proper  instructers  of  both  sexes,  to  be  taught  on 
Sundays,  the  rudiments  of  learning  and  Christian- 
ity. Thus  far,  they  were  satisfied  with  a  simple 
imitation  of  the  plan  pursued  by  Raikes,  the  ori- 
ginator of  the  system.  But  the  improvements, 
which  have  been  subsequently  added,  were  neces- 
sary to  give  to  these  institutions,  their  full  and 
proper  effect.  Without  detracting  from  the  praise 
justly  due  to  their  disinterested  founder,  these  im- 
provements may  be  considered  as  extending,  not 
only  to  the  mode  of  conducting  them,  but  to  the 
object  itself  which  the  system  designs  to  accom- 
plish. In  order  to  meet  the  expense,  and  extend 
the  benefits  of  these  institutions,  Mr.  Raikes  soon 
found  it  necessary,  to  combine  the  exertions  of 
their  friends  into  a  systematic  form.  Sunday 
school  societies,  consisting  of  the  individuals  di- 
rectly engaged  in  supporting  and  instructing  the 
several  schools  of  a  particular  district,  were  ac- 
cordingly formed  for  mutual  consultation  and  aid. 
The  advantages  realised  from  these  associations 
led  to  the  consolidation  of  all  the  societies  in  a 


lOS  MEMOIR  or  BACO:^. 

still  larji^cr  district,  under  a  more  general  associa- 
tion :  and  in  1803,  the  Sunday  School  Union 
of  London  was  formed,  comprehending  under  it  all 
the  societies,  and  country  Unions  in  the  kingdom. 
The  business  of  the  union  is  conducted  by  a 
board  of  managers ;  and  consists  in  preparing 
suitable  books  for  the  use  of  the  societies,  in 
systeraatising  and  improving  the  method  of  in- 
siructing  and  organising  the  schools,  in  exer- 
cising over  them  a  paternal  superintendence,  and 
extending  all  practicable  encouragement  and 
aid  to  the  whole. 

The  societies  in  the  earlier  stages  of  their  ex- 
ertions, uniformly  paid  their  teachers  for  their 
services.  The  Sunday  school  society  of  tlie  me- 
tropolis alone  had  expended  in  this  way,  as  ear- 
ly as  the  year  180G,  four  thousand  pounds. 
But,  besides  the  expense  attendant  on  this  prac- 
tice, it  was  perceived  to  be  objectionable  for  a  va- 
riety of  oth«r  reasons.  It  was  therefore  resol- 
ved, after  sixteen  years'  experience  of  its  disad- 
vantages, to  reform  this  part  of  the  system.  The 
appeal  was  ac<:ordingly  made  to  those  on  whose 
benevolence  the  cause  itself  should  impress  a 
sufficient  motive  to  engage  them  in  the  self- 
denying  service.  This  resolution  was  adopt- 
ed by  many  societies  with  painful  apprehensions 
for  the  probable  result.  But  instead  of  a  dimi- 
nution of  the  number  of  teachers,  the  conse- 
Kjuence  was  their  immediate  and  surprising  iu- 
<  rease,  wherever  the  measure  of  gratuitous  in 


MEMOIR    OF    BACOISr.  103 

slruction  was  adopted.  It  was  soon  discovered 
that  thousands  of  persons  of  respectable  charac- 
ter and  the  most  competent  qualiflcations,  whom 
the  offer  of  pecuniary  compensation  could  ne- 
ver engage  in  the  service  of  teaching,  stood  rea- 
dy to  undertake  it  at  the  call  of  charity.  The 
cause  immediately  felt,  in  its  remotest  extremes, 
the  invigorating  influence  of  this  important  im- 
provement in  the  system;  and  found  a  host  of 
devoted  and  efficient  advocates  and  coadjutors 
raised  up  for  its  support  in  every  part  of  the 
kingdom.*  This  latter  feature,  has  naturally  led 
to  a  gradual  alteration  in  the  whole  character  of 

■■  The  extent  to  which  Sunday  schools  have  multiplied, 
and  their  advantages  been  diffused,  may  be  imperfectly  seen 
by  the  following  very  compressed  statement  formed  from  the 
latest  returns  which  have  been  published  in  an  authentic 
form. 

In  England,  the  plan  of  the  National  school  partially 
takes  the  place  of  the  Sunday  school  system.  There  are 
nevertheless  in  that  country,  more  than  80  unions,  containing 
2,568  schools,  32,283  teachers,  and  274,845  learners.  The 
scholars  taught  in  succession  for  twenty  years  past,  form  an 
average  not  much  below  this  number. 

In  Scotland  there  was  likewise  supposed  to  exist  in  the 
Sabbath  evening  schools,  and  the  system  of  parochial  in- 
struction, a  substitute  for  Sunday  schools,  established  on 
the  English  plan.  But  since  the  formation  of  an  union  in 
this  country,  567  new  schools,  and  39,1 83  children  have 
been  received  under  its  care. 

The  Sunday  school  Society  for  Ireland,  reports  the  num- 
ber of  schools  on  their  list  to  bo  1,091,  and  of  scholar?, 
113,525. 


iO'h  MEMOIU    OF    BACOxN. 

(he  system.  The  experiment  of  more  tliau 
twenty  years  has  fully  demonstrated  that  no 
other  principle  but  that  of  an  operative  christian 
faith  and  piety,  can,  on  the  present  system,  en- 
gage in  a  persevering  and  zealous  course  of 
Sabbath  school  labours,  the  professed  friends  of 
the  cause.  The  service  is  too  humble,  too  labo- 
rious, and  attended  with  too  few  earthly  rewards 
long  to  animate  any  charity  except  that  of  the 
gospel.      Hence,   universally,  wherever  these 

The  Protestant  parts  of  France,  and  Holland  are  slow- 
ly imitating  the  example  of  Great  Britain,  in  the  establish- 
ment of  a  number  of  schools ;  many  of  which,  particularly 
in  Holland,  are  in  a  flourishing  state. 

By  the  exertions  of  Missionaries,  schools  have  likewise 
been  commenced  in  most  of  the  West  India  Islands ;  in 
Canada,  New-Brunswick,  New-Foundland,  and  at  the  dif- 
ferent Missionary  stations  in  India,  West  Africa,  and  the 
American  wilderness.  At  Sierra  Leone,  4,000  are  enjoy- 
ing the  benefit  of  these  institutions. 

Owing  to  the  detached  character  of  the  efforts  making 
in  this  cause  by  every  denomination  of  christians  in  the 
United  States,  it  is  impossible  to  bring  the  aggregate  re- 
sults into  a  single  view.  While  comparatively  a  very  small 
part  of  the  ground  which  should  be  cultivated,  has  been  oc- 
cupied, much,  very  much,  has  been  already  effected,  and 
still  more  attempted,  in  this  noblest  of  the  efforts  of  char- 
ity. The  Sunday  and  Adult  school  Union  of  Philadelphia 
combines  a  much  greater  number  of  schools  than  is  associ- 
ated under  any  other  single  body  in  this  country.  In  May, 
1821,  tlie  managers  of  tliis  Union  reported  in  their  connex- 
ion, in  eleven  different  states,  31S  school?,  S,,724  teachers- 
and  24,  218  scholars- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  105 

excellent  institutions  have  been  formed,  they 
have  naturally  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  most 
devoted  and  spiritual  of  the  Redeemer's  fol- 
lowers. Of  this  character,  are,  by  far  their 
most  influential,  as  well  as  a  great  majority  of 
their  conductors  and  friends  ;  even  while  the 
system  indiscriminately  invites  all  of  exemplary 
deportment,  to  aid  in  carrying  on  the  work.  Of 
the  objections  originally  alleged  against  these 
schools,  one  of  the  most  serious,  represented 
them  as  incompatible  with  the  sacred  design  of 
the  Sabbath :  nor  is  it  quite  certain  that  the 
method  in  which  they  were  originally  managed, 
may  not,  in  some  degree,  have  made  them  justly 
liable  to  this  exception.  But  the  general  piety 
of  the  instructers,  and  the  gradual  modification 
of  the  whole  system  in  conformity  to  their  con- 
victions of  the  sacredness  of  this  institution,  have 
so  completely  obviated  the  scruples  even  of  the 
most  conscientious,  as  to  secure  in  behalf  of  the 
cause  the  entire  approbation  of  christians  of 
every  variety  of  faith  and  discipline  in  the  world. 
Without  any  prejudice  to  the  advancement  of 
the  scholars  in  the  necessary  branches  of  human 
learning,  every  part  of  the  instruction  is  made 
strictly  subservient  to  their  religious  improve- 
ment. Hence  they  come  to  associate  all  the 
knowledge  of  letters  which  they  acquire,  with 
the  truths  and  precepts  of  the  scriptures.  In 
innumerable  instances  the  members  of  these 
schools  have  been  known  to  imbibe  along  with 


10(i  MEMOlll    OF    BACON. 

the  rudiments  of  learning,  the  spirit  of  the  gog- 
pel ;  and  during  all  their  subsequent  progress^, 
have  clearly  displayed  its  holy  iniiuence  in  their 
improving  tempers  and  habits  ;  and  in  riper  age, 
when  surrounded  with  the  cares  and  temptations 
of  life,  have  preserved  a  consistent  course  of 
christian  piety. 

Mr.  Bacon^s  first  step,  towards  the  forma- 
tion of  Sunday  schools  in  York  county,  was 
fervently  to  commend  the  undertaking  to  God. 
His  next  was  to  interest  in  the  object,  and  en= 
gage  to  second  his  exertions  by  a  zealous  co-ope- 
ration, a  select  few,  whose  hearts  were  warmed 
with  the  same  sacred  flame  which  animated  his 
own.  Individuals  of  this  character  he  saw  were 
to  be  drawn  together  from  all  the  different  chris- 
tian societies  in  the  place  : — an  object  which  he 
happily  accomplished  by  setting  them  the  ex- 
ample  of  sacrificing  party-feelings  and  preju- 
dices,  so  far  as  to  meet  and  unite  on  the  commoir 
ground  of  a  disinterested  and  practical  charity^ 
A  Sunday  school  society  for  York  county  was 
immediately  formed,  on  the  7th  of  August,  1817,. 
and  down  to  the  present  date,  it  may  be  re- 
marked in  anticipation,  has  been  so  highly  fa^ 
voured,  as  to  preserve  a  good  share  of  the  spirit 
of  harmony  and  christian  love  in  which  it  origi- 
nated. Mr.  Bacon  was  placed  in  the  chair;  ami 
held  the  same  situation  until  he  finally  removed 
from  the  county.  A  school  for  children  was 
opened  on  the  17th^  in  the  village  of  York;,  with 


MEMOIR   OP   BACON.  107 

twenty-six  scholars.  The  number  shortly  in- 
creased to  two  hundred ;  and  the  society  has 
since  exhibited  on  its  rolls,  more  than  three  hun- 
dred. 

The  moral  condition  of  no  class  of  the  pop- 
ulation of  Pennsylvania  exhibits  so  much  de- 
basement and  wretchedness,  as  that  of  the  free 
blacks.  Mr.  Bacon  and  his  zealous  associates 
could  not  comtemplate  so  moving  a  spectacle 
without  pitying  the  sufferers.  To  pity,  was 
with  him,  to  attempt  their  relief.  A  school 
for  adults  of  this  class,  without  excluding  others 
of  the  same  age  who  chose  to  attend,  was  ac- 
cordingly opened,  in  September.  But  the  op- 
portunity for  improving  their  minds  thus  afforded, 
was  still  deemed  too  circumscribed  ;  and  at  Mr. 
Bacon's  suggestion  was  extended  to  four  addi- 
tional nights  in  every  week.  Not  only  did  the 
direction  of  these  schools  chiefly  devolve  on  him- 
self; but  he  constantly  took  an  active  and  la- 
borious part  in  the  business  of  instructing  them. 
It  was  his  '  meat  and  his  drink'  to  be  active  for 
his  Saviour,  and  the  souls  whom  he  had  redeem- 
ed with  his  blood.  Love  to  God,  and  its  natur- 
al offspring  and  best  expression,  love  to  the 
souls  of  his  fellow  immortals,  was  the  principle 
which  invigorated  every  effort,  and  directed  his 
zeal  to  the  grand  object  of  promoting  their  eter- 
nal salvation.  It  could  repose  on  no  inferior  in- 
terest. His'^daily  and  nightly  labours,  prayers, 
and  nameless  conflicts,  were  all  directed  to  this 


108  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

end.  This  object  furnished  to  all  his  addresses, 
their  subjects  and  illustrations ;  shaped  their 
style  ;  softened  and  qualified  his  whole  deport- 
ment ;  and  in  short,  took  the  precedence  in  his 
mind,  of  every  other.  Hundreds  live  to  testify, 
that  their  own  salvation  was  thus  pursued  with 
such  ardour  and  perseverance,  and  led  to  such 
sacrifices,  as  placed  his  sincerity  in  the  sacred 
work  beyond  all  doubt,  and  proved  the  impres= 
sions  made  by  the  declarations  of  holy  writ  on 
the  enlightened  eye  of  his  faith,  to  be  much  more 
vivid  than  those  which  the  events  of  time,  and 
the  things  of  the  world,  could  produce  on  his 
imagination  and  senses.  His  views  of  the  lost 
condition  and  utterly  corrupted  character  of  the 
imregenerate,  whether  old  or  young,  were  emi- 
nently scriptural ;  and  resulted  from  the  convinc- 
ing comment  on  the  declarations  of  scripture, 
which  the  divine  Spirit  had  written  upon  his  own 
heart.  As  a  dependent  instrument,  he  always 
aimed  to  fix  this  conviction  effectually  in  the  con- 
sciences of  the  youth  of  his  charge,  as  an  es- 
sential prerequisite  to  repentance  and  conver- 
sion. In  short,  he  justly  regarded  children  as 
men  in  miniature,  requiring  the  same  atone- 
ment, the  same  regeneration,  the  same  divine 
faith,  and  the  same  sanctifying  spirit  of  grace 
to  deliver  them  from  the  "  wrath  of  God  revealed 
from  Heaven  against  all  ungodliness,  and  un- 
righteousness of  men."  The  language  of  his 
addresses  was  at  once  simple  and  forcible  ;  and 


MEMOIR    OP   BACON.  409 

they  commonly  found  out  the  conscience,  to 
which  they  were  always  powerfully  directed. 
^'  1  am  grieved,"  he  declared,  on  one  of  these  oc- 
casions, **  to  see  you  so  careless  of  the  salvation 
of  your  souls.  If  a  happy  spirit  could  come 
from  Heaven  and  tell  you  how  much  it  cost  to 
get  there ;  or  if  a  miserable  soul  could  come 
from  Hell  and  tell  you  of  the  unheard  of  and 
unexpected  torments  it  found  there ;  you  would 
all  fall  upon  your  trembling  knees  and  begin  to 
pray.  Many,  many  young  persons,  it  is  proba- 
ble, are  now  in  ruin  and  torment,  for  doing  those 
very  things  which  you  do,  and  for  not  doing 
those  very  things  which  you  leave  undone,  every 
day.  God's  holy  law  is  a  very  strict  one.  You 
are  all  exceedingly  wicked  in  his  sight.  He 
says,  you  shall  give  an  account  of  every  idle 
word.  If  you  are  angry  with  one  another, 
without  good  cause.  He  looks  upon  it  as  bad  as 
murder :  if  you  covet  or  wish  to  possess  the 
good  things  of  another,  He  looks  upon  it  as  bad 
as  stealing  :  if  you  tell  or  wish  to  tell  falsehoods 
about  any  person,  He  looks  upon  it  as  bad  as 
bearing  false  witness  :  if  you  love  any  person 
or  thing  better  than  God,  you  worship  that 
person  or  tiling  as  an  idol :  if  you  spend  your 
time  in  idleness  during  the  working  days  of 
the  week,  or  if  you  do  not  worship  God  faith- 
fully on  the  Sabbath,  you  are  condemned  by 
God  for  breaking  that  commandment;  and  soon 
through  the  whole.     Now  yon  are.  every  one. 


110  MEMOIR   OF   liACOJS. 

tmder  a  sentence  of  condemnation.  For  you 
liave  broken  God's  holy  laws,  a  thousand  times ; 
whereas,  if  you  had  only  broken  them  once^ 
God  would  have  condemned  you.  It  is  most 
certain^  if  you  do  not  repent  of  your  sins  and 
pray  to  God  to  forgive  them,  you  must  go  to 
Hell.  Every  time  you  stay  from  school ;  every 
time  you  laugh  or  play  in  school ;  every  idle 
word  you  speak  in  school ;  every  wicked  idle 
thought  you  think  in  school,  God  takes  notice  of, 
and  condemns  you  for  it.  You  know,  if  a  bad 
man  steal  or  murder  or  do  any  other  crime,  they 
have  him  tried  by  the  judge  in  court,  and  he  is 
condemned  to  be  punished ;  but  if  he  repent 
and  become  good,  some  good  person  may  go  to 
the  governor  and  get  him  pardoned ;  and  then 
the  man  is  not  punished,  but  returns  to  his 
friends.  Now,  these  wicked  things  you  liave  all 
done  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  He  has  had  you 
all  condemned  to  be  sent  to  a  dreadful  Hell. 
But  if  you  will  repent  and  confess  to  God  how 
bad  you  have  been ;  and  if  you  sincerely  cry  to 
Him  to  have  mercy  upon  you,  there  is  a  mighty  Sa- 
viour  who  will  go  and  plead  with  God  for  you 
to  be  pardoned.  It  is  Jesus  Christ,  who  died 
for  you,  and  who  w  ell  knows  how  much  your 
souls  cost ;  and  God  has  promised  to  pardon  all 
wicked  persons,  who  repent  and  cry  for  mercy, 
because  Jesus  Christ  died  to  obtain  their  pardon, 
and  make  them  for  ever  happy.  O  how  good 
was  this  Saviour,  to  die  instead  of  us  !    What 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  Hi 

wicked  creatures  we  are,  who  do  not  love  such 
a  Saviour  !  We  are  now  going  to  fall  down  and 
pray  to  God,  while  He  stands  looking  into  our 
hearts.  He  sees  what  we  are  now  doing.  He 
knows  what  we  are  now  thinking :  and  hears 
what  we  are  now  speaking.  There  is  a  wicked 
little  girl  who  is  thinking  bad  !  God  knows  it^ 
and  it  is  written  in  the  book  of  His  remember- 
ance.  Oh  what  bad  thoughts  !  They  |ire  writ- 
ten down  and  all  the  hosts  of  Heaven  can  read 
them.  We  cannot  read  them  now ;  but  they 
will  be  told  to  all  the  world  in  the  day  of  judg- 
ment ;  and  then  every  one  in  this  room  will  hear 
them.  Here  is  a  little  child  who  is  speaking  and 
playing!  God  has  had  that  put  down  too.  Oh 
how  terrible  it  is  to  have  it  written  in  God's 
book  for  all  the  world  to  read ! 

"  That  child  who  would  not  come  to  school 
last  Sabbath,  and  who  has  been  angry  and  told 
some  lies  and  would  not  learn  the  scripture  les- 
son !  All  that  is  put  down  in  that  dreadful  book^ 
and  that  child  is  condemned  to  be  cast  into 
Hell.  But  if  the  child  will  only  pray  for  mercy, 
God  will  forgive  these  great  sins,  for  the  sake  of 
our  blessed  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  And  if  we  do 
not  pray  soon,  it  may  be  too  late ;  because  we 
may  die.  So  many  are  dying  in  the  world, 
that  leai-ned  people  say,  sixty  persons  die  every 
minute.  They  are  dying  as  fast  as  you  can  say 
dead,  dead,  dead,  dead.  Four  persons  are  sup- 
posed to  have  died,  while  I  was  saying  those 


112  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

words.  Ill  the  last  half  hour  only,  I  expect  eight-^ 
een  hundred  persons  have  died.  Whatamercj 
none  of  us  were  in  this  number.  Perhaps  we 
shall  be  among  those  who  are  to  die  the  next  half 
hour.  May  Grod  have  mercy  on  us,  and  help  us 
to  pray  earnestly,  that  our  souls  may  be  convert- 
ed and  saved. 

"  My  dear  cliildreu,  let  me  ask  you  who  wants 
to  go  to  Heaven?  Do  you  ?  And  do  you  ?  And 
do  you? — Then  you  must  pray.  Prayer  will  open 
the  door  for  you.  You  must  repent  of  your  sins. 
You  must  love  God,  and  your  Saviour.  You 
must  love  your  teachers  and  each  other.  You 
must  come  constantly  to  school.  You  must 
bring  all  the  other  children  that  you  can  find. 
You  must  continue  to  be  learners  in  school,  till 
you  get  to  be  teachers  ;  and  you  must  labour  to 
do  good  as  long  as  you  live." 

Mr.  Bacon  seldom  omitted  any  opportunity 
of  doing  good  which  was  providentially  present- 
ed. But  his  zeal  was  still  directed  by  judgment, 
and  tempered  with  unfeigned  christian  aifection ; 
and  no  labour  to  him  was  too  humble  which 
promised  to  benefit  an  immortal  soul.  The  suc- 
ceeding paragraphs  are  extracted  from  a  letter 
addressed  to  a  youth  in  Philadelphia,  who  at 
its  date,  was  but  a  single  remove  from  child- 
hood. 
^*  Dear  James, 

**'  It  occured  to  me  while  sitting  alone  and 
thinking  of  Philadelphia,  its  schools  and  its 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  US 

chiltlren,  that  I  might  turn  my  acquaintance  with 
some  of  the  youths  to  a  good  account.  Per- 
haps, I  thought  to  myself,  God  will  bless  a  word 
of  advice  to  James  L.  if  I  should  sit  down  and 
write  him  a  letter.  So  I  instantly  took  up  my 
pen,  and  have  proceeded  so  far  with  it.  I 
thought  within  myself,  that  James  loves  me, 
because  I  took  notice  of  him  and  treated  him 
affectionately.  I  love  him  too ;  not  on  account 
of  his  dress  ;  not  on  account  of  his  looks,  or  per- 
sonal appearance ;  not  on  account  of  his  learning ; 
not  on  account  of  his  friends  and  relations ;  but  I 
love  him  on  account  of  his  modest,  meek,  and 
pious  appearance,  and  because  he  loves  and 
obeys  his  teachers  and  strives  to  do  good.  I  hear 
he  goes  about  to  persuade  boys  to  come  to  Sun- 
day school,  and  does  all  the  good  he  can.  I 
love  him  because  I  think  he  prays  and  reads  his 
Bible,  and  loves  God.  These  are  some  of  the 
reasons,  why  I  love  James  L.  But  the  chief  rea- 
son why  I  love  him  is,  not  for  any  thing  that  he 
now  is,  but  for  what  he  is  capable  of  being,  and 
what  he  certainly  will  be,  if  he  strives  with  all 
his  heart, — a  saint  in  glory.  Now  surely,  my 
dear  James,  you  will  not  suppose  that  one,  who 
loves  you,  would  give  you  bad  advice  or  tell  you 
things  not  true.  Well,  I  am  going  to  tell  you  what 
is  very  true.  You  have  a  very  wicked  heart. 
All  people  have  wicked  hearts  at  first  ;  when 
they  are  young  they  are  born  with  them :  and 
they  all  continue  to  be  very  wicked,  till  God 
15 


114  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

gives  them  a  new  heart.     Has  God  ever  changed 
your  heart,  or  created  it  anew  f    Have  you  ever 
been  "  born  again?"  has  your  soul  ever  been 
converted?     If  not,  James,  you  must  pray  to  God 
to  create  your   heart   anew.     You   must   pray 
every  night  and   morning.     Before  you  go   to 
Sunday  school  you  must  fervently  pray  to  God 
to  give  you  grace  to  learn,  and  do  good.     You 
ought  not  to  be  a  teacher,    till  you   have  been 
adopted  by  God  into  the  number  of  his  believ- 
ing children.     I  desire  you  would  ponder  these 
things  in  your  heart  and  be  earnest  in  prayer. 
It  is  ou?  privilege  to  '^  rejoice  evermore,  pray 
without  ceasing,  and  in  every  thing  give  thanks." 
That  is,  to  have  a  devotional,  prayerful  spirit, 
aiid  also  to  rely  on  God  as  our  father  in  such  a 
manner,  as  to  feel  grateful  for  even  his  chastise- 
ments, and  to  rejoice  under  the  heaviest  afflic- 
lions,   of  a   temporal  nature.     When  you  be- 
come a  true  christian,  what   a  happy  boy  you 
will  be !  Oh  do  not  permit  a  moment  to  pass  with- 
out letting  it  carry  home  to  God  a  good  account 
of  you.'^ 

The  foregoing  extracts  are  introduced  chiefly 
in  order  to  illustrate  the  example  which  Mr» 
Bacon  gave,  of  a  close  imitation  of  his  Saviour, 
in  a  trait  of  his  character  which  perhaps  the 
pride  of  our  nature,  renders  it  more  difficult  per- 
fectly to  copy,  than  many  others, — his  love  and 
condescension  to  little  children.  In  a  large 
share  of  Mr.  Bacon's  labours  for  their  benefit, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  115 

the  ordinary  stimulants  of  false  zeal,  and  hypo- 
crisy, scarcely,  it  would  seem,  had  room  to  ope- 
rate at  all.  These  are  the  exertions,  therefore^ 
which  if  not  his  most  disinterested  and  useful, 
certainly  more  than  any  others,  evince  to  his 
fellow-men,  the  abstraction  of  his  affections  from 
the  world,  the  purity  of  his  zeal,  and  the  opera- 
tive strength  of  his  faith. 

The  discipline  of  Sunday  schools  has  been 
a  subject  of  much  speculation,  and  one  on  which 
a  variety  of  opinions  and  practices  have  obtain- 
ed among  their  friends.  But  wherever  their  ex- 
alted object  has  been  kept  fully  in  view,  the 
proper  mode  of  their  government  has  generally 
suggested  itself.  Mr.  Bacon  regarded  these 
schools  as  having  almost  exclusively  the  nature 
of  religious  institutions ;  and  consequently  re- 
quiring that  sort  of  discipline  which  the  gospel 
prescribes  for  training  the  children  of  the  church 
for  its  communion,  and  for  everlasting  salvation. 
Perhaps  a  more  faithful  application  of  these 
principles  of  discipline  has  seldom  been  made, 
or  been  attended  with  better  success,  than  in  the 
ease  which  Mr.  Bacon  relates  in  the  following 
extract. 

"  L.  was  a  child  often  years  old.  He  seem- 
ed to  combine  in  his  disposition  the  cunning  of 
the  serpent  with  the  fierceness  of  the  young  tiger, 
and  mischievousness  of  the  ape.  The  first  time 
he  attended  the  Sunday  school  he  stole  a  testa= 
ment.     He  was  detected  in  having  it  in  posses= 


116  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

sion ;  but  persisted  with  the  most  daring  effron- 
tery  in  asserting  that  he  had  bought  it.  The 
label  of  ^  Sunday  school/  which  was  written 
in  it  by  the  superintendant,  was  pointed  out  to 
him :  and  that,  together  with  confronting  him 
with  the  gentleman  of  whom  he  said  he  bought 
it,  and  who  explicitly  declared  he  had  not  sold 
it  to  him,  seemed  to  have  no  other  effect  than  to 
induce  him,  in  defiance  of  the  most  positive  tes- 
tiraony,  to  redouble  his  falsehoods  and  prevari- 
cations.  His  case  was  pointed  out  to  all  the 
teachers.  We  feared  to  do  any  thing  that  might 
drive  him  from  school,  or  throw  him  off  our 
hands  unreformed.  There  was  danger  of  ex- 
citing the  hostility  of  his  friends,  as  he  was  a 
favourite,  and  a  spoiled  child.  We  exhorted, 
expostulated,  and  explained  on  the  holy  com- 
mand,—'Thou  shalt  not  steal;'  but  without 
any  direct  application  to  him.  This  course  was 
pursued  for  one  year ;  about  half  the  Sundays 
of  which  he  attended  school.  We  had  flattered 
ourselves  that  he  was  reformed.  But  judge  of 
our  surprise,  when  we  learnt  by  information  from 
another  scholar,  that  our  books  had  multiplied 
on  his  hands  at  home,  to  the  number  of  half  a 
dozen,  which  he  had  the  hardihood  to  offer  for 
gale.  We  then  felt  him  heavy  at  our  skirts.  The 
plan  of  reformation  was  soon  devised  and  adopt- 
ed. L.  was  taken  aside  into  a  vacant  room  by 
the  superintend  ant,  and  his  crimes  set  in  full 
array  before  him.       Warnings,  entreaties,  life, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  117 

death,  the  gallows  and  the  final  judgment, 
were  all  called  up  in  aid  of  the  cause  of  refor- 
mation ;  and  at  last  his  soul  was  commended  to 
God  in  earnest  prayer.  The  superintendant, 
having  exhausted  his  stock  of  grace,  turned  him 
over  to  one  of  the  teachers.  The  same  course 
was  gone  through.  This  done,  another  teacher, 
and  so  on,  till  seven  in  succession,  exhausted  all 
they  had  to  say. — You  may  judge  of  his  feel 
ings.  At  the  close  of  the  school,  he  went  home. 
His  friends  were  at  first  enraged  :  but  on  being 
told  his  crimes,  and  warned,  themselves,  to  look 
to  it,  that  his  blood  did  not  lie  at  their  doors ; 
they  became  quiet.  Two  Sabbaths  intervened, 
and  no  L.  appeared  in  school.  But  on  the  third, 
he  made  his  appearance  with  all  the  books  under 
his  arm.  He  gave  them  to  the  superintendant, 
took  his  seat,  and  soon  manifested  that  he  had 
left  behind  him,  his  former  uncomfortable  pas- 
sions and  dispositions,  and  had  brought  in  their 
stead  a  temper  entirely  docile  and  larab-like." 

On  this  case  Mr.  Bacon  very  justly  remarks 
to  his  friend,  in  favour  of  the  course  pursued 
with  the  little  delinquent,  and  generally,  of  the 
utility  of  the  Sabbath  school  discipline,  that "  to 
estimate  the  value  and  probable  eflPect  of  this 
mode  of  reformation  let  us  ask  whether,  if  you 
at  the  age  of  ten  years  had  passed  a  Sabbath  af 
ternoon,from  one  to  four  o'clock  under  the  reitera- 
ted  expostulations,  and  exhortation,  w^atered 
with  the  tears,  and  lifted  towards  Heaven  by  the 


118  mi:moir  OP  bacon. 

prayers  and  siglis  of  seven  earnest  Sunday 
school  champions^  you  could  ever  have  forgotten 
it  ?  It  would  probably  have  been  a  day  fresh  in 
your  recollection,  as  long  as  memory  endured. 
This  method  has  to  recommend  it,  unity  of  spi- 
rit, concert  of  action,  the  labour  of  many,  and 
the  experience,  the  grace  and  the  prayers  of  all. 
And  if  after  this,  the  child  should  even  leave  the 
school,  two  grand  objects  are  gained  :  first,  your 
duty  is  done ;  secondly,  the  child  carries  with 
liim  what  he  can  never  forgetJ^ 

The  experience  of  nearly  forty  years  in  the 
management  of  Sunday  schools,  by  so  many 
thousands  of  discerning  and  eminently  active 
christians,  could  leave  little  or  nothing  in  the 
system  to  be  materially  improved  by  the  obser- 
vations of  an  individual,  in  the  short  period  of  a 
few  months.  Mr.  Bacon  accordingly  acquiesced 
in  the  plan  as  it  had  come  into  his  hands  ma- 
tured by  the  wisdom  of  his  predecessors.  The 
details  of  the  system  however,  approved  them- 
selves to  his  judgment ;  and  gave  free  scope 
for  his  zeal  to  exert  itself  to  the  utmost  in  inter- 
csting  the  public  mind,  and  diflfusing  the  benefits 
of  the  institution,  as  widely  as  possible.  But 
it  would  be  less  than  is  due  to  Mr.  Bacon's 
zeal  and  fidelity  in  the  cause,  to  conceal  that  his 
active  invention  was  constantly  suggesting  to  the 
society,  to  his  correspondents,  and  all  bis  chris- 
tian associates,  some  new  expedients  for  carry- 
ins;  forward  with  increased  effect  their  disinteres- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  i  li) 

ted  labours.  These  suggestions  were  equally 
creditable  to  his  judgment  and  to  bis  heart.  In 
the  very  fervour  of  action,  and  the  severest 
struggles  against  opposition,  seldom  was  be 
known  to  advise,  utter,  or  do  any  thing  wbicb 
in  the  event  did  not  appear  to  be  the  result  of 
a  rational  and  sober  estimate  of  all  the  attendant 
circumstances,  and  to  prove  eventually,  benefi- 
cial to  the  cause. 

Having  in  a  few  months  obtained  from  tbe 
effects  of  the  schools  in  the  village  of  York,  a 
convincing  demonstration  of  their  inestimable 
advantages,  and  in  a  good  measure  occupied  the 
iield  which  they  were  intended  to  cultivate,  he 
urged  the  society  to  depute  their  most  active  mem- 
bers to  other  parts  of  the  county  for  the  pur- 
pose of  founding  new  schools.  In  this  service 
Mr.  Bacon  was  foremost.  The  method  observ- 
ed was  to  assemble  the  inhabitants  of  the 
several  villages,  and  thickly  settled  parts  of 
the  county,  explain  the  design  and  advantages 
of  Sunday  schools,  and  propose  the  formation 
of  an  auxiliary  society  for  supporting  one  or  more 
among  themselves.  When  this  representation 
produced,  as  it  seldom  failed  to  do,  the  desired 
effect,  Mr.  Bacon  and  his  coadjutors  assisted  in 
the  formation  of  the  schools,  and  even  labo- 
riously participated  in  their  management  and 
instruction.  During  the  year  1818^  six  addi- 
tional schools,  with  nearly  the  same  number 
of  auxiliary  societies,  were  thus  established;  and 


120  MEMOni    OF    BACON. 

in  tlic  early  part  of  1811),  twenty-six  more! 
In  July,  of  this  year,  it  was  stated  in  the  re- 
port read  before  the  parent  society  in  York,  that 
there  were  then  ^"thirty-three  schools,  employing 
about  220  teachers,  and  containing  2,200  scho- 
lars, within  the  county/'  These  schools,  with  a 
very  few  exceptions,  were  all  the  fruits  of  Mr. 
Bacon's  personal  exertions,  and  owed  much  of 
their  success,  and  the  interest  which  they  held 
in  the  public  mind,  to  his  efficient  superinten- 
dence. Of  the  report  containing  this  statement, 
Mr.  Bacon  was  the  author.  The  effect  pro- 
duced on  his  feelings  by  so  great  success  in  a 
cause  which  he  considered  far  the  most  impor- 
tant that  had  ever  engaged  his  support,  and  the 
incalculable  amount  of  good  which  he  anticipated 
in  the  results,  were  rather  deep  humiliation,  and 
a  sense  of  unproiitableness  than  a  spirit  of  self 
gratulation: — results  which  the  power  of  divine 
grace  alone  could  have  rendered  possible !  "  We 
do  not,''  the  report  proceeds, "  review  our  labours 
with  complacency  ;  for  we  know  we  might  have 
done  more ;  we  are  sure  we  might  have  done 
better.''  In  the  same  report,  he  says,  "  We 
have  now  closed  our  account  of  the  schools. 
We  look  at  their  number  and  wants,  and  while 
we  reflect  on  the  circumstances  of  their  establish- 
ment,  Ave  find  that  they  might  have  l)een  more 
numerous,  and  better  conducted.  We  have 
been, — we  see  and  feel,  '  we  have  been,  unprofi= 
table  servants.' " 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  4^ 

During  a  part  of  1818,  and  1819,  his  labours 
arising  out  of  his  professional  business,  and  his 
attention  to  these  schools,  were  too  numerous 
and  exhausting  for  the  strongest  constitution  and 
the  firmest  health,  long  to  sustain.     The  remo- 
test of  the  schools  which  he  statedly,  and  often 
visited  on  the  Sabbath,  were  twenty,  and  even 
twenty-five  miles   distant  from    his  residence. 
He  was  obliged  commonly,  in  every  condition  of 
the  weather  and  roads,  to  visit  several  of  these 
schools  in  the  same  day,  addressing  the  pupils, 
encouraging  the   teachers,  examining  the  mi- 
nutes, correcting  what  was  wrong  in  the  man- 
agement, and  even  cultivating  a  particular  ac- 
quaintance with  the  individual  scholars.    In 
performing  these  weekly  circuits,  he  found   it 
very  often  necessary  to  encroach  on  one  or  both 
the  days  contiguous  to  the  Sabbath,  in  order  to 
accomplish  them.     His  health  was  frequently  as 
low  as  would  admit  of  such  frequent  exposures 
and  extreme  fatigue  ;  and  quite  as  good,  as  so 
severe  a  discipline   of  his    animal  and  mental 
powers  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  permit 
him  to  enjoy.     The  nature  of  these  labours  is 
pourtrayed  with  a  colouring  so  strong  and  yet  so 
natural  and  just,  in  a  letter  which  Mr  Bacon 
addressed  to  an  esteemed  christian  friend,  as  to 
authorise  a  short  extract  from  it,  and  atone  for 
the  repetition  of  a  few  of  the  foregoing  particu- 
lars.    "You  would   sometimes   smile,  and  it 
may  be,  at  others  weep  at  the  detail  of  our  ad- 


laa  MEMOIR   OF   BACOK. 

ventures  and  troubles.  Had  you  seen  me  at 
one  time  beating  my  way  through  the  hills, 
with  great  diflBculty,  and  some  danger, — myself-, 
horse,  sleigh  and  all  nearly  bOried  in  snow- 
banks :  at  other  times,  out  late  and  early,  in  the 
wet  and  cold ;  drenched  in  rain ;  often  so  ex- 
hausted as  t«»  be  hardly  able  to  address  an  audi- 
ence ;  and  ready,  not  unfrequently,  to  say  that 
my  poor  w  eak  constitution  had  at  last  received 
its  fatal  blow  ; — -you  would  exclaim  that  nothing 
but  divine  help  could  have  sustained  me.  You 
may  perhaps,  be  not  quite  informed  of  our  me- 
thod of  organising  a  school  in  a  new  place.  In 
opposition  to  the  views  and  wishes  of  our  Board, 
I  succeeded  in  prevailing  on  them  to  embark  in 
the  establishment  of  distant  schools.  It  was  a 
hard  point  to  gain.  This  done,  a  committee  was 
appointed  to  visit  such  places  as  offered  a  favour- 
able opening.  The  committee  gave  notice  of  the 
time  and  place  at  which  the^^  would  meet  the 
people  to  explain  the  nature  of  the  schools.  On 
the  Saturday  preceding  these  appointments,  the 
committee  would  set  out,  and  arrive  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood the  same  night, — next  morning  go  to 
the  place  appointed, — begin  with  singing  and 
prayer,  and  address  them  in  a  speech  of  an 
hour,  sometimes  two ;  in  which  you  had  bigotry, 
prejudice  and  nationality  to  encounter ;  together 
with  ignorance,  and  vice,  and  folly,  in  every 
shape.  You  had  to  avoid  the  prejudices  of 
Quakers,  Lutherans,  Albrights.  Dunkers,  Ger- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  1S3 

mao  Presbyterians,  English  Presbyterians,  Me- 
thodists, Baptists,  Roman  Catholics,  Deists,  and 
at  last,  my  brethern,  the  cold  Episcopalians. 
The  event  generally  was,  that  the  people  agreed 
to  have  a  school ;  appointed  the  ofl&cers,  and  a 
day  for  commencing  it.  The  meeting  was  closed, 
with  prayer  and  praise.  On  the  next  Sabbath, 
and  copimonly,  for  one  or  two  succeeding  Sab- 
batlis^  we  must  visit  the  same  place  to  organise 
the  school,  and  teach  it.  It  is  in  this  way  that 
the  schools  on  our  records  have  struggled  into 
existence.  And  in  this  way  may  schools  be 
established  in  every  county.  A  few,  nay  only 
one  zealous  individual  in  the  county  towns,  may 
be  the  instrument  of  exciting  the  people,  and 
carrying  on  schools  in  any  county.  It  has  been 
tried ;  it  is  practicable.  You  see  what  the  Lord 
liath  done  for  us  here.  Let  a  similar  course  be 
recommended  to  other  counties.  He  will  do  the 
same  every  where.'' 

Perseverance  amidst  the  difficulties  and  la- 
bours necessarily  attending  the  advancement  of 
a  good  cause,  requires  less  fortitude,  and  is  a 
more  equivocal  test  of  a  sincere  attachment  to  it, 
than  to  be  capable  of  rising  above  the  mortifica- 
tion of  reproach,  and  the  sneers  of  affected  con- 
tempt. There  is  no  known  principle  in  unre- 
generate  human  nature  that  is  proof  against  an 
attack  from  this  quarter.  But  the  faith  which 
overcomes  the  world,  opposes  an  impenetrable 
shield  for  the  protection  of  the  believer  fron) 


iM- 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 


these  sharpest  of  the  shafts  of  persecutioD.  He, 
and  he  alone  can  ^  rejoice  to  be  accounted  worthy 
to  suffer  shame  for  the  name  of  Christ.'  And 
to  this  trial,  Mr.  Bacon's  faith,  was  to  a  certain 
extent,  subjected  in  the  prosecution  of  these  pious 
labours.  "  With  the  exception  of  myself,"  he 
states,  in  the  same  letter,  *^  we  have  not  one  ac 
tive  member  above  the  grade  of  a  mechanic. 
We  are  shoe- makers,  tailors,  carpenters,  ma- 
sons, black-smiths,— almost  to  a  man.  I  except 
*****  who  is  yet  a  mere  youth,  but  a  very 
useful  and  capable  one.  All  our  learned  and 
genteel  people  stand  aloof.  They  neither  raise 
a  hand,  nor  give  a  cent.  These  remarks  apply 
to  the  town  only. — Yes,  sir,  it  is  cast  upon  us  as 
a  matter  of  reproach,  '  They  are  all  young  ;' — ■ 
*They  have  no  old  established  men  amongst 
them  :'— ^  They  are  all  low  people,  all  mechan- 
ics, except  Bacon;  and  he  disgraces  himself 
and  his  profession  by  associating  with  them.* 
Yet,  thanks  be  to  God,  Christ  is  our  leader ; 
and  we  shall  triumph.  This  sort  of  censure  re- 
minds me  of  the  old  Pharisaical  reproach,  *Ts 
not  this  the  carpenter^s  son  ?'  We  have  nomi- 
nal members  who  are  capable  of  doing  much, 
but  tJiey  do  not  pray.  We  cannot  send  them  to 
our  schools.  A  praying  apprentice  boy  would 
be  more  likely  to  be  successful." 

Mr.  Bacon  never  sought  opposition ;  but 
evinced  the  most  conscientious  solicitude,  on  all 
occasions,  that  his  ^  good  should  not  be  evil  spo- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  1S6 

ken  of.'  His  charity  for  bis  fellow- men  was 
too  fervent  and  universal  to  allow  liim  to  desire 
his  own  immortal  crown  to  be  brightened  at  the 
expense  of  auy  opposition  from  the  unbelieving, 
which  might  involve  them  in  sin,  or  its  punish- 
ment. At  a  later  date,  than  the  period  to  which 
the  foregoing  extracts  refer,  he  enjoyed  the  satis- 
faction of  perceiving  that  the  course  which  he 
pursued  led,  in  the  providence  of  God,  to  a  full 
vindication  of  his  conduct,  in  the  eyes  even  of 
his  determined  opposers :  and  that  scarcely  an 
occasion  of  distrusting  the  purity  of  his  motives 
was  left  them.  To  a  friend,  he  writes,  in  the 
summer  of  1819,  *^  We  have  our  trials.  But  the 
circumstances  of  my  having  resigned  my  com- 
missions, quit  the  practice  of  the  law,  and  renounc- 
ed every  pursuit  from  which  pecuniary  emolument 
is  to  be  derived,  are  now  known  among  the 
schools,  and  have  a  surprising  effect.  The  peo 
pie  are  astonished.  They  charged  me  with  in- 
terested motives,  before.  But  the  occasion  for 
such  an  imputation,  is  so  completely  cut  off,  that 
they  have  not  a  word  to  say.  They  believe  me 
in  their  consciences,  sincere  ;  and  every  word  I 
address  to  them,  makes  an  impression  on  their 
hearts.  I  am  inclined  to  think,  that  all  I  have 
done  for  years  past  for  the  schools,  will  now  pro- 
duce fruit.  My  voluntary  relinquishment  of 
oflBce,  honour  and  money,  will  have  an  effect 
not  soon  to  be  got  over." 


1S6  MEMOllt    OF   BACUX. 

Seldom  has  consummate  christian  prudence 
been  more  speedily,  and  entirely  triumphant, 
than  in  the  instance  here  related.  But  where- 
ver it  is  exercised  in  the  same  degree,  the  good 
eifects  will  always  be  apparent  in  the  removal  of 
a  multitude  of  obstructions  to  the  progress  of  the 
gospel,  out  of  the  way.  Men  will  necessarily 
hate  the  truth,  and  show  their  dislike  to  those 
who  most  resemble  their  Redeemer,  until  their 
hearts  are  renewed  by  his  grace.  But  let  it  be 
recollected,  that  every  man's  conscience,  and 
reason,  as  far  as^^hey  are  not  perverted  by  false 
teaching,  op  clouded  with  ignorance,  are  on  the 
side  of  truth ;  and  whenever  assisted  by  a  strictly 
circi:imspect  and  disinterested  conduct  in  the  ser- 
vants of  Christ,  those  faculties  of  the  soul  tend 
strongly  to  disarm  the  open  hostility  which  he 
might  otherwise  raise  against  them.  To  the  in- 
quiry, which  of  the  faults  of  the  ministers  of  re- 
ligion have  most  hindered  the  success  of  their 
labours?  The  proper  answer  would  doubtless 
assign  to  the  first  place,  their  neglect  to  cultivate 
inward  holiness  ;  and  to  the  second,  their  disre- 
gard of  the  Saviour's  command,  ^  be  ye  wise  as 
serpents,  and  harmless  as  doves.' 

The  enthusiasm  of  Mr.  Bacon's  devotion  to 
the  cause  of  Sunday  schools  was  associated  with 
a  feeling  of  the  picturesque,  a\kd  derived  its 
support  in  part,  from  a  strong  sensation  of  the 
morally  sublime.  This  feeling  was  produced 
by  combining  in  the  same  view,  the  present  cir 


MEMOIR    or   BACOK.  127 

curasfances  of  these  institutions  with  the  bound- 
less prospect  of  the  future  beuefits  to  which  they 
opened  ;  and,  by  mingling  with  all  the  cares 
and  fatigues  which  they  caused  him,  the  strongly 
excited  affections  of  his  heart.  Writing  to  a 
friend  of  congenial  character  in  Philadelphia, 
he  relates,  that  "  I  have  just  opened  a  school, 
eighteen  miles  distant,  at  which  forty-five  scho- 
lars, and  one  hundred  and  fifty  spectators  were 
present ;  who  all  went  away  exclaiming  in  the 
language  of  the  Poacher's  Daughter,  ^  What  a 
fine  thing  is  a  Sunday  school !'  After  a  short 
address,  twenty-four  persons,  in  about  ten  mi- 
nutes, stepped  forward  and  gave,  each,  a  dollar. 
You  would  rejoice  to  have  been  present  and  to 
have  seen  twenty-three  boys  from  fourteen  to 
eighteen  years  of  age  form  themselves  into  a 
class,  to  become  Sunday  school  scholars, — all 
decently  clad,  healthy,  serious,  attentive,  docile, 
obedient !  It  was  a  lovely  sight.  God  bless 
them  !  A  meeting  had  been  previously  proposed 
and  the  inhabitants  gathered  from  the  neigbour- 
ing  country  in  every  direction. — The  result  was, 
that  each  one  preferred  his  entreaties  for  a  school 
to  be  opened  in  his  own  neighbourhood.  Thus 
the  Lord  seems  to  have  kindled  a  fire  in  ou^ 
hills  and  mountains  that  may  be  expected  soon 
to  break  out  in  different  places.*' 

In  a  letter  to  the  same  friend  at  a  subsequent 
date,  he  states,  "  I  was  yesterday  at  three  differ- 
ent Sunday-school  stations ;  one  at  ten  o'clock 


1:28  MLMUIR    OF    liACOiN, 

in  the  morning,  and  the  others  at  two,  and  five 
in  the  evening.  These  schools  are  at  the  dis- 
tance of  fifteen,  eighteen,  and  twenty  miles  from 
York.  Of  course  I  was  obliged  to  go  out  on 
Saturday,  and  return  on  Monday.  At  two  of 
the  places  I  examined  schools,  containing,  the 
one  thirty,  and  the  other  eighty  scholars  :  at  the 
other,  1  revived  a  suspended  school.  On  next 
Sunday  I  have  likewise,  three  appointments, — 
one  to  revive  another  suspended  school,  and  the 
other  two  to  establish  new  ones.  Our  next  re- 
port will  exhibit  about  thirty-five  schools.  I  tell 
you,  my  friend,  I  am  actually  astonished, — ex- 
travagant as  my  anticipations  have  been, — I  am 
astonished  at  the  extent  of  what  I  am  enabled  to 
do.  It  is  my  God  that  helps.  We  build  in 
vain  unless  the  Lord  blesses. — But  who  will 
take  care  of  the  schools  when  Samuel  Bacon  is 
in  Africa  ?  Who  will  willingly,  place  himself 
in  the  hands  of  his  God,  and  do  what  he,  with 
many  infirmities,  is  endeavouring  to  do?  Alas ! 
I  tremble  for  these  schools. 

"  You  will  see  on  our  last  report  *  *  *  *  town 
Sunday  school.  I  will  place  that  by  the  side  of 
any  similar  institution  averaging  eighty  scholars, 
in  Philadelphia.  It  is  in  the  woods, — the  town 
itself  is  in  the  woods,  and  the  school  is  one  mile 
from  town.  Yet  there  are  habitations  thickly 
scattered  up  and  down  over  the  mountain,  seem- 
ingly only  fit  for  rabbits  and  foxes,  presenting 
here  and  there  a  potatoe-field,  or  other  cultivated 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  1S9 

Spot.  From  these  cottages  are  gathered  in  all, 
about  one  hundred  and  forty  children,  who  come 
a  distance  of  four,  and  even  five  miles.  They 
assemble  in  a  log  house,  which  serves  the  peo- 
ple as  a  church.  Here  they  learn ; — here  the 
Lord  blesses.  You  should  see  them  travelling 
home  with  bare  feet,  as  hard  as  the  rocks  they 
climb,  and  with  burnt  faces,  as  brown  as  the 
forests  where  they  dwell!  Your  city  Sunday 
schools  are  hot  houses  where  you  rear  a  growth  of 
siciily  plants  ; — our  mountain  schools  are  glades^ 
where  the  sturdy  oaks  of  the  forest  grow." 

To  illustrate  still  further  the  degree  in  which 
his  heart  was  at  home  in  these  labours,  and  how 
prominent  a  place  the  great  object  of  doing  good 
held  in  all  his  thoughts,  another  extract  of  a 
letter  bearing  a  still  later  date,  is  here  introduc- 
ed. "  We  have  a  daily  charity  school  of 
one  hundred  scholars,  taught  every  evening  from 
four  to  six  o'clock.  Last  Sabbath,  1  visited  two 
of  our  schools  in  the  country.  On  my  approach 
within  two  miles  of  one  of  them,  I  fell  in  with  s. 
little  company  of  children,  hastening  to  it,  as  cheer- 
ful as  the  birds  of  the  forest  where  I  met  them. 
I  followed  them  through  the  almost  pathless 
woods, — found  thirty-five  scholars,  lialf  adults, 
gathered  in  the  house  of  an  old  christian,  under 
the  brow  of  a  mountain.  There  the  solitary 
place  rejoiced  in  a  song  of  Zion :  amongst  the 
wild  shrubbery  of  the  wilderness  were  seen 
these  blooming  plants  of  immortal  growth.  T 
17 


130  MEMOIR   Of   BACON. 

rejoiced  in  the  prospect  of  their  one  day  singing 
in  Heaven.  A  new  era,  sir,  is  opening  for  Sun- 
day  schools  in  this  region.  Hear  it  and  rejoice. 
This  school  was  established  at  the  house  of  an 
individual,  with  whom  it  continued  until  last 
Sunday ;  when  another  of  its  friends  wished  it 
one  Sabbath  at  his  own  house ;  another  still, 
took  the  hint,  and  desired  to  accommodate  it  at 
his  house  on  the  succeeding  Sabbath.  Now, 
sir,  I  approve  the  plan,  and  shall  encourage  its 
circulation  from  house  to  house.  Thus  the  fa- 
milies of  a  whole  neighbourhood  will  in  turn, 
receive  it; — and  with  it,  the  prayers,  and  the 
praises  which  are  offered  in  it.  The  expense 
of  a  house  will  be  spared;  the  children  will 
have  the  advantage  of  a  more  effectual  restraint 
on  the  levity  of  their  behaviour  ;  and  the 
school  will  leave  a  blessing  behind  it,  wherever 
it  goes.  I  pursue  the  hint.  In  neighbourhoods 
where  no  houses  can  be  found  for  a  school, 
we  will  adopt  this  plan.  The  fashion  will 
spread  :  half  a  dozen  families  will  join  and  in- 
struct their  children  in  rotation  :  families  will 
learn  to  observe  the  Sabbath,  and  be  taught  the 
work  of  prayer  and  praise :  each  will  hear  His 
word  ;  and  each,  become  a  Bethel. — Knowing 
as  I  do,  the  constitution  of  society  and  the  cus- 
toms of  the  people  in  our  interior,  I  see  this  to 
be  all  practicable.  This  school  is  in  the  arms 
of  two  venerable,  and  aged  farmers,  who,  to  use 
their  own  expression,  ^have  feai-ed  the  Lord 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  131 

these  thirty  years;'  and  while  they  water  it 
with  their  prayers  and  counsels,  those  who  are 
younger  and  better  educated,  instruct  the  chil- 
dren^' 

Among  all  the  trials  which  this  pious  philan- 
throphist  was  obliged  to  sustain,  the  severest 
arose  out  of  those  circumstances  which  seemed 
to  endanger  the  prosperity  of  the  schools.  His 
sj)irit  was  often  wrung  by  what  he  deemed  the 
remissness  of  some  of  t)ie  members  of  the  so- 
ciety in  carrying  forward  the  work.  Few  of 
his  associates  perhaps,  possessed  all  his  expan- 
sive charity  ;  and  fewer  still,  the  warmth  of  his 
natural  temperament.  But  even  his  complaints 
sprung  from  a  principle  of  disinterestedness, 
were  blended  with  affection,  and  were  chiefly 
poured  out  into  the  bosom  of  God,  in  the  same 
prayer  which  plead  for  the  souls  of  the  unin- 
structed  children  of  the  county.  In  his  journal 
under  date  of  December  15,  1818,  his  feelings 
on  this  subject,  found  utterance  in  the  following 
lamentation  : 

"  Oh  there  is  such  a  backwardness  in  the 
members  of  our  society  to  go  as  teachers  to  dis- 
tant schools  on  the  Sabbath  !  It  often  seems  I 
am  to  be  left  alone,  at  last !  What  coldness  ! 
What  reluctance  !  My  spirit  is  often  so  grieved, 
it  almost  sinks  within  me.  I  often  seem  to  have 
a  mountain  upon  me,  and  no  one  to  raise  a  finger 
to  help  me  bear  it !  Oh  my  God !  I  cry  tp 
Thee  !    I  cry  to  Thee  !    Give  me  a  clean  heart, 


13S  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

and  then  give  me  grace  to  pray,  and  faith  to  be» 
lieve ;  and  I  know  that  Thou  wilt  help  ! — Oh 
my  brother,  my  brother,  that  have  just  left  me ! 
You  have  so  grieved  my  heart,  that  I  know  not 
what  to  think  of  you !  May  God  have  mercy  on 
you  V* 

In  Pennsylvania,  as  commonly  happens  among 
a  population  of  a  various  national  origin,  the  des. 
cendants  of  the  German,  and  of  the  English  set- 
tlers, are  dissociated  by  strong  and  nearly  invinci- 
ble  jealousies.  The  former,  view  with  very  marked 
suspicion,  any  measures  which  seem  to  tend  ei- 
ther to  curtail  their  influence  in  the  community, 
or  supplant  their  cherished,  national  characterise 
tics  by  the  substitution  of  manners  and  institu- 
tions  of  English  origin.  One  of  the  most  ani- 
mating  circumstances  distinguishing  the  for- 
mation of  the  Sunday  school  society  of  York, 
was  the  harmonious  concurrence  of  these  for- 
merly  discordant  masses  of  the  population,  in 
the  sacred  object.  Managers,  teachers,  scholars, 
belonging  to  the  two  classes,  indiscriminately, 
were  for  some  months,  seen  amicably  united  in 
the  common  objects  of  the  institution.  Besides 
the  direct  advantages  of  the  school,  the  eifects 
of  this  union  of  parties  in  doing  away  their 
mutual  prejudices,  promised  to  be  of  the  hap- 
piest nature.  But  in  about  one  year  after  the 
organisation  of  the  school,  Mr.  Bacon  had  occa- 
sion to  communicate  the  following  intelligence 
to  the  "  Union"  of  Philadelphia^  with  which  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  133 

society  had  then  become  associated.  *'  It  was 
necessary  that  we  should  be  opposed  in  order  to 
be  rendered  faithful  aud  humble,  and  be  made  to 
feel  our  dependence  on  '  the  giver  of  every  good 
and  perfect  gift/  The  German  population  early 
took  the  alarm,  and  have  now  cjuite  withdrawn 
all  countenance  and  support.  A  defection  of 
teachers,  members,  scholars  and  purses,  follow- 
ed. We  had  been  at  great  expense  in  providing 
rooms,  books,  furniture  and  fuel  for  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  scholars.  Our  expenses  during 
the  year  just  ended,  have  amounted  to  nearly 
four  hundred  dollars.  We  likewise  felt  severe- 
ly the  loss  of  scholars,  as  well  as  of  the  means 
of  support.  But  never  discouraged,  though 
often  desponding ;  never  reviling,  though  often 
persecuted,  we  cast  our  cares  on  Him,  '  Who 
careth  for  us  ;'  and  are  now  rising  from  our  par- 
tial overthrow.  When  one  source  of  revenue 
was  dried  up,  another  seems  to  have  opened. 
Our  Heavenly  Father,  blessed  be  His  name, 
knows  our  necessities ;  especially  the  need  we 
have  of  ^  the  continual  dew  of  His  blessing,'  and 
has  enabled  us  to  ^ask  in  faith  believing;'  and 
we  give  Him  praise,  that  He  has  often  answered 
our  prayers.  The  spiritual  welfare  of  our  charge 
is  much  nearer  our  hearts,  than  the  temporal  con- 
cerns of  the  society."  Happy  frame  of  simple 
confidence  in  an  ever  present,  and  faithful  God ! 
Faith  like  this  can  never  fail  :  exertions  sus- 
tained by  it,  can  never  tire.     His  bosom  was 


134  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

not  indeed,  entirely  exempt  from  the  agitations 
of  grief,  anxieties  and  disappointment;  nor  was 
it  desirable  in  this  state  of  exertion,  that  it 
should  be  :  but  the  anchor  of  his  hopes  was  cast 
deep  within  the  veil,  and  secured  to  his  mind  that 
perfect  *  peace  which  passes  all  understanding;' 
and  which  ^  the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take 
away.'  He  had  suffered  with  the  same  equan- 
imity, a  still  more  painful  frustration  of  his  hopes 
in  the  dissolution  of  the  school  for  black  adults, 
a  few  months  before.  The  opposition  made  to 
the  instruction  of  these  forlorn  people  on  various 
pretexts,  had  proved  too  violent  to  render  it  ad- 
visable any  longer  to  persist  in  the  attempt ;  and 
it  had  been  accordingly  relinquished. 

In  the  benevolent  cause  of  Sunday  schools, 
it  has  been  seen  that  he  spared  no  exertions  in 
his  power  to  employ.  They  were  indeed  at  one 
period  too  great  either  for  his  health,  or  for  the 
proper  discharge  of  his  more  secular  duties. 
The  possibility  of  erring  on  this  ground,  was 
however,  seasonably  perceived  by  himself,  and 
led  to  a  more  proportionate  distribution  of  his 
time  among  the  various  duties  of  his  station. 
But  the  fact  requires  to  be  distinctly  stated,  as 
suggesting  considerations  of  great  practical  im- 
portance, that  more  than  the  whole  amount  of 
time  spent  in  these  labours,  was  redeemed  from 
the  imperceptible  waste  which  mere  indolence, 
or  unprofitable  engagements  had  formerly  caus- 
ed in   that  invaluable   talent !     His  pecuniary 


Mi-MOIR    OF    BACON.  135 

contributions  are  known  to  have  been  numerous, 
and  liberal.  But  their  full  amount,  will  not  be 
revealed  until  the  day  when  all  secrets  are  to  be 
disclosed,  and  good  works  receive  their  infinite 
reward. 

But  no  single  species  of  the  fruits  of  so  ex- 
alted a  piety,  can  flourish  and  ripen  alone.  In 
the  very  constitution  of  the  society  which  ani- 
mated and  directed  the  efforts  made  in  the  cause 
of  Sunday  schools,  distinct  provision  had  been 
made  for  the  circulation  of  the  scriptures,  and 
religious  tracts.  And  both  these  efficient  aux- 
iliaries of  the  work,  were  employed  with  the 
happiest  effects.  Several  instances  might  be 
related,  of  the  obvious  instrumentality  of  the 
tracts  circulated  in  every  part  of  the  county,  in 
conjunction  with  the  establishment  of  schools, 
in  reforming  the  vicious,  ^  converting  the  sinner 
from  the  error  of  his  ways,  and  hiding  a  multi- 
tude of  sins.'  Of  a  little  tract  entitled  "  Three 
Dialogues,"  from  its  contents,  he  observed, 
"  It  has  been  the  means  of  stopping  a  persecu- 
tion which  had  been  raised  against  a  good  Sun- 
day school  teacher.  It  fell  into  the  hands  of  a 
mere  moralist,  who  supposed  his  correct  deport- 
ment would  save  his  soul.  The  tract  alarmed 
him  :  and  thinking  he  must  do  something  for  the 
persecuted  christians  in  his  neighbourhood,  he 
went  to  a  leader  of  the  opposition  and  told  hira^ 
that  *  he  might  well  be  alarmed,  since  even  him- 
self had  become  so  on  reading  that  tract.'     The 


id6  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

persecutor  admitted,  if  so  good  a  man,  as  his 
moral  neighbour,  had  begun  to  think  himself 
wrong,  and  the  praying  people  right,  there  might 
be  some  truth  in  what  those  people  said  ;  and 
he  would  let  them  alone."  The  tracts  presented 
as  premiums  to  the  children  were  commonly 
read  by  their  parents,  and  often  produced  impres- 
sions on  their  minds  of  a  salutary  character. 

In  the  conclusion  of  this  connected  view  of 
Mr.  Bacon's  engagements  in  the^e  arduous  ser- 
vices, it  is  due  to  the  fidelity  of  his  divine  Lord 
and  Master,  and  proper  for  the  encouragement 
of  all  who  shall  imitate  his  example,  to  state  that 
he  found  in  his  labours  a  present  reward,  sur- 
passing his  boldest  petitions,  and  nearly  preclud- 
ing the  perception  of  his  heaviest  trials.  The 
economy  of  divine  providence  in  this  respect, 
seems  to  be  nearly  uniform.  The  most  faithful 
and  laborious  of  the  Lord's  servants  are  refresh- 
ed with  the  richest  consolations  of  the  gospel, 
even  in  the  midst  of  their  labours.  Mr.  Bacon 
realised  a  large  reward  in  knowing  himself  to 
be  the  instrument  of  gathering  much  immediate 
*  fruit  to  life  eternal.'  A  number  of  souls  were 
brought  to  sincere  repentance,  and  saved  from 
their  sins,  *  by  the  washing  of  regeneration  and  the 
renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost,'  through  his  direct 
instrumentality.  A  still  greater  number  were 
introduced  into  the  same  holy  state  by  the  me- 
dium of  the  institutions  which  he  had  been  prin- 
cipally active  in  forming,  and  the  means  of  grace 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  137 

which  had  through  these  means,  been  placed 
witliin  their  reach.  He  witnessed  likewise,  in 
the  more  general  effects  of  the  system,  a  visi- 
ble improvement  of  the  moral  habits,  and  the 
religious  condition  of  the  many  hundreds  of 
immortals,  connected  with  the  schools;  and  in  a 
still  fainter  degree,  of  the  whole  districts  over 
which  they  extended.  He  realised  moreover,  the 
holy  satisfaction  of  perceiving  that  many  of  his 
prayers  for  spiritual  and  other  blessings,  personal 
and  general,  were  expressly  answered  :  and  that 
the  whole  cause  was  the  especial  care  of  the  in- 
finite God,  ^  whom  unseen,  he' constantly  ^  loved/ 
worshipped,  and  communed  with.  He  enjoyed 
the  testimony  of  his  own  conscience,  and  the 
witness  of  the  divine  Spirit  in  his  heart,  that  he 
was  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  acting  with  his 
approbation.  *  It  was  God  that  justified'  both 
him  and  his  work :  '  and  who  was  he  that  could 
condemn?'  But  there  are  spiritual  communica- 
tions of  a  higher  and  richer  order,  made  to  the 
faithful  servants  of  the  Redeemer,  even  in  the 
present  world;  consisting  in  the  direct,  and 
abundant  out-pouring  of  those  ineffable  comforts 
of  his  grace,  that  form  the  most  perfect  foretaste 
of  Heaven  itself  which  the  human  mind  is  capa- 
ble of  realising  on  earth.  These  effusions  of  the 
divine  Spirit  are  not  always  essential  to  the  sane- 
tification  of  the  soul :  they  are  scarcely  tasted 
in  this  world,  by  many  of  the  sincere  and  hum- 
ble followers  of  the  Lamb ;  but  are  seldom  with- 
18 


13»  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

held  entirely  from  those  who  devote  the  whole 
soul,  and  voluntarily  incur  painful  sacrifices,  in 
his  service.  They  are  at  once  a  divine  attes- 
tation of  approbation  to  eminent  fidelity,  and 
one  of  the  most  animating  motives  to  more  vigo- 
rous advances,  and  unwearied  perseverance.  A 
few  extracts  from  Mr.  Bacon's  private  diary, 
will  furnish  the  most  intelligible  illustration  of 
this  peculiar  privilege  of  the  faithful  believer, 
and  furnish  an  additional  testimony  of  the  good- 
ness  and  faithfulness  of  the  God  whom  he  serves, 
in  repaying  into  his  bosom  ^  an  hundred  fold'  for 
all  he  can  resign  or  sufter  in  obedience  to  his 
commands,  ^  in  the  present  life ;'  without  im- 
pairing his  title  to  the  '  life  everlasting.' 

"November  1st,  1818,  Sunday. — To  day  I 
superintended  the  Sunday  school  in  York.  There 
were  present,  about  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
scholars  and  a  sufficient  number  of  teachers.  I 
received  an  unspeakable  blessing ;  being  several 
times  so  filled  with  holy  joy  that  I  could  hardly 
refrain  from  proclaiming  it  aloud.  This  school 
is  a  glorious  vineyard.  OhthatGod  would  con- 
tinue to  help  !  I  have  ever  thought  from  the 
first,  that  it  would  be  the  means  of  a  revival  of 
religion  in  York,  if  we  are  faithful  to  our  trust. 
The  members  ^  go  forth  into  the  streets  and  lanes 
of  the  city'  and  into  the  '  highways  and  hedges,' 
and  compel,  by  alfection  and  entreaty,  the  *  poor, 
the  maimed,  the  halt  and  the  blind'  to  ^  come  in ;' 
and  '  still  there  is  room." 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  139 

^^  November  22(\. — Have  good  reason  to  be- 
lieve, that  among  the  persons  truly  converted  to 
God,  during  the  week  past,  are  five  Sunday 
school  scholars.  Two  others  are  convinced  of 
their  ruined  state,  and  deeply  distressed. 
Thanks  be  to  God  for  his  glorious  work.  Oh 
that  he  would  multiply  the  victories  of  his  grace 
and  love,  until  they  reach  the  ends  of  the  earth  !" 
"  January  17th,  1819. — Dillsburg.  Came  from 
York  to  this  place  yesterday,  to  meet  the  people 
and  form  a  Sunday  school.  We  were  obliged 
to  struggle  with  many  discouragements ;  but 
through  the  goodness  of  Gqj|cI,  succeeded.  I  felt 
his  presence,  and  am  sensible  that  he  blest  his 
own  cause  through  my  instrumentality.  At  night, 
met  a  few  devout  souls  of  the  place,  in  a  prayer 
meeting.  We  had  a  season  of  blessings.  Oh 
the  joy  of  communion  with  God !  Oh  his  un- 
speakable goodness !" 

<^  January  24th. — Yesterday,  I  gave  a  full 
explanation  to  my  *****  brethern,  of  my 
conduct  in  relation  to  the  schools ;  which  satis- 
fied them,  and  restored  christian  harmony  be- 
tween us.  I  do  sincerely  love  them  as  brethern 
in  Christ  Jesus.  The  reconciliation  was  follow- 
ed with  a  present  and  a  precious  blessing,  to  my 
soul.  To  day, — at  morning  prayer,  in  church, 
and  at  the  Sunday  school,  I  drank  largely  of  the 
consolations  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  and  had  much 
freedom  of  intercourse  with  God.     My  spirit 


140  MEMOIR   OF    BACON. 

wrestles  with  him  for  sanctifying  grace.  Oh  that 
God  would  make  rae  wholly  his  own  !'^ 

"January  31st.~Was  at  the  *  *  *  *  school 
in  the  morning.  Addressed  the  audience  and 
the  scholars  ;  returned  at  one  o^clock,  to  the 
York  school.  I  became  much  exhausted  ;  am 
convinced  I  ought  not  to  go  so  long  without  food, 
as  1  frequently  do  on  the  Sabbath.  Oh  I  feel 
these  schools  a  burden  to  my  body ;  but  not  to 
my  soul!  Mybody  is  weak:— but  God  blesses  my 
soul.  I  have  much  of  his  sensible  presence, 
3,nd  am  willing  to  suffer  on,  my  three  score 
years,  or  less  or  mo?'e,  as  it  pleases  him.  God 
Is  good.  God  is  love.  Oh  that  God  would 
bless  me  still  more  and  more; — that  he  would 
bless  me  now, — I  have  such  an  hungering  and 
thirsting  after  his  righteousness  !'^ 

^^  February  Sl2d.— -For  three  days  past  I  have 
been  entirely  occupied  in  travelling  through  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  county,  and  forming  new 
schools.  I  last  night,  found  my  exertions  dur- 
ing the  day  had  nearly  destroyed  me — and  was 
even  apprehensive  that  I  should  not  be  able  to 
survive  'till  the  morning.  To  day, — my  strength 
is  considerably  restored.  This  evening  in  prayer 
meeting,  realised  a  foretaste  of  Heaven  indeed. 
Such  an  out-pouring  of  blessings  I  have  scarcely 
ever  known  before.'^ 

"  March  30th.  Since  the  5th  of  the  pre- 
gent  month,  my  Sabbaths  have  been  spent  in  our 
^i^nday  ^chools;  and  have  been  uniformly  ble^s= 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  14^1 

ed  to  my  comfort  and  edification.  The  labour 
has  been  severe  ;  but  soul  and  body  have  been 
abundantly  sustained  :  for  which,  I  here  record 
my  thanks  to  God." 

"July  ISth,  I819.--During  the  past  month, 
I  was  much  occupied  in  visiting  distant  schools, 
and  had  a  laborious  season.  But  while  abroad, 
I  was  always  happy, — filled  with  zeal  and  love; 
although  now  conscious  of  having  been  unfaith- 
ful. In  this  way  God  was  pleased  to  afford  me 
support  and  help  when  labouring  in  his  name, 
and  for  the  advancement  of  his  cause.'' 

Under  date  of  November  28th,  1819,  Mr. 
Bacon  has  the  following  entry  in  his  journal. 

"  Our  Board  of  Managers  met  this  evening 
for  the  transaction  of  much  interesting  business. 
I  have  often  felt  the  want  of  something  apprO' 
priate  to  sing  on  these  occasions,  and  to  day 
drew  up  the  following  lines."  They  are  here 
inserted,  as  closely  connected  with  the  subject  of 
this  chapter,  and  in  some  measure,  illustrative  of 
it.  In  the  devout  and  evangelical  spirit  which 
they  breathe,  consists  their  principal  merit. 

"HYMN, 

For  the  Meeting  of  Sunday  school  Mana= 
gers." 
"  Here,  Saviour,  let  us  take 

Fresh  counsel,  at  thy  feet; 
And  by  thy  Spirit's  presence,  make 
Our  souls  in  one  to  meet.-r- 


14S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

Here,  guide  us  by  thy  word, 

And  by  thy  Spirit  too  : 
Give  hearts  to  know  thy  will,  0  Lord ; 

Give  willing  hands  to  do. 

Be  thou  the  mind  to  plan, 

Be  thou  the  mouth  to  speak  ; 

And  while  thy  great  designs  we  scan, 
Oh  !  keep  our  spirits  meek. 

Lord,  give  us  all  thy  mind  ; 

For  less  will  not  suflBce ; 
That  we  may  leave  our  sins  behind, 

And  daily  upward  rise. — 

In  faith  we'll  plant  the  seed, 
And  water  with  our  tears ; 

Christ  then  will  bid  the  increase  speed, 
And  banish  all  our  fears.'' 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  143 


CHAP.  VI. 

The  connected  view  afforded  in  the  forego- 
ing chapter,  of  Mr,  Bacon's  engagements  in  the 
cause  of  Sunday  schools,  required  a  considerable 
anticipation  of  the  period  to  which  the  narrative 
now,  properly  reverts. 

In  May  and  June,  1817?  it  appears  from  a 
memorandum  found  among  his  papers,  that  Mr. 
Bacon  was  engaged  in  the  organisation  of  an  in- 
dependent military  corps,  for  the  county  of 
York;  and  during  the  following  season,  he  con- 
tinued to  discharge  the  duties  which  an  official 
appointment  in  that  service,  devolved  upon  him. 
In  August,  of  the  same  season,  finding  that  the 
multifarious  business  of  his  profession,  by  expos- 
ing him  to  the  almost  constant  collision  of  the 
worst  passions,  and  most  sinister  transactions  of 
the  irreligious  and  worldly,  tended  unavoidably 
to  distract  his  tlioughts  and  impede  liis  progress 
in  spiritual  life  ;  he  entered  into  an  arrangement 
for  abandoning  the  business  altogether.  In  this 
proceeding  he  doubtless  had  his  eye  on  the 
apostolic  advice,  '  I  would  have  you  without 
carefulness.'  His  motives  were  perhaps,  more 
to  be  commended  than  his  judgment;  and  he 
was  possibly,  influenced  more  by  disgust  for  the 
lawful  business  of  life,  which  he  ought  to  have 
overcome,  than  by  an  enlightened  estimate  of  its 


144  MEMOIR    Ol     BACON. 

duties.  At  tliis  date,  liis  intention  to  devote  liis 
life  to  the  ministry  seems  to  have  been  eml)ar- 
rassed  with  fewer  scruples  than  occurred  on  a 
further  examination  of  the  question.  But  the 
providence  of  Heaven,  in  a  dispensation  which 
could  not  easily  be  misinterpreted  or  evaded, 
absolutely  overruled  this  purpose  ;  and  he  con*- 
tinued  in  the  practice  of  the  law  for  nearly  two 
years  afterwards  ;  fully  satisfied,  that  in  what- 
ever way  his  divine  Master  might  intend  to  dis- 
pose of  his  services  at  a  future  period,  it  wag 
his  pleasure  that  he  should,  at  present,  continue 
to  exercise  his  profession,  and  glorify  him  in 
the  faithful  discharge  of  humbler  duties.  But 
his  thoughts  were  incessantly  revolving  the 
subject ;  and  he  ventured  in  a  few  weeks  to  offer 
his  name  to  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  to  be 
entered  on  the  list  of  candidates  for  orders.  In 
this  act  he  was  conscious  of  proceeding  with 
due  circumspection  ;  but  was  still,  undecided,  as 
to  the  ulterior  course,  which  the  intimations  of 
providence  might  afterwards  require  him  to 
take. 

The  whole  of  Mr.  Bacon's  time,  not  spent 
in  the  necessary  business  of  his  oiUce,  and  at  the 
bar,  became  towards  the  latter  end  of  the  year, 
not  only  engrossed,  but  overcharged  both  with 
stated  and  occasional  religious  exercises  per- 
formed either  for  his  own  improvement,  or  for 
the  salvation  of  others. 


MEMOIR    OP   BACON.  14^ 

Mr.  Bacon  eminently  exemplified  in  the  al- 
tered course  of  his  life,  the  inspired  description 
of  those  in  regard  to  whom, '  old  things'  are 
said  *  to  have  passed  away,  and  all  things'  to 
have  *  become  new  :'  but  this  characteristic  of 
the  child  of  God  was  in  nothing  more  unequivo- 
cally evinced  than  in  the  exact  distribution,  and 
entirely  new  appropriation  of  the  several  di- 
visions of  his  time.  No  talent,  with  the  improve- 
ment of  which  we  are  charged,  excepting  only 
the  means  of  salvation  directly  connected  with 
our  redemption  and  sanetification,  is  more  val- 
uable, or  capable  of  being  applied  to  a  higher 
use  than  this.  The  different  duties  to  which 
the  hours  of  every  day  were  successively 
consecrated,  and  the  means  by  which  his  early 
progress  in  grace  was  so  remarkably  accelera- 
ted, are  exhibited  in  a  form  of  rules  constructed 
on  truly  christian  principles,  which  he  adopted 
on  the  first  of  October,  1817.     He  entitles  them; 

^'  Rules  to  be  observed  every  day,  by  S.  Bacon, 
attorney  at  law  : 

"  llise  at  six  from  October  to  March  ;  and 
from  April  to  September,  at  five.  Ill  health  and  a 
habit  of  study  require  this  degree  of  indulgence. 
Earlier  rising  would  be  injurious  to  me. 

"  Attend  to  morning  devotion. 

"  Pay  the  proper  attention  to  my  personal 
comfort  and  appearance  ;  and  breakfast. 
i9 


146 


MEMOIR    OF    BACOX. 


*^  Examine  my  day-book  and  docket,  for  the 
business  of  the  day. 

"  Attend  diligently  to  official  business  and 
legal  studies  during  the  day;— taking  care  to 
dine  lightly,  drink  nothing  but  water,  and  main- 
tain constantly,  a  watchful  and  praying  spirit : 
to  *  rejoice  ever-more,  pray  without  ceasing  and 
in  every  thing  give  thanks.'  Religion  is  not  to 
make  me  neglect  my  business,  but  do  it  with 
more  fidelity  and  diligence. 

"  Take  very  little  or  no  supper ;  as  it  is  apt 
to  cloud  the  mind,  and  hinder  the  life  of  my 
evening  devotions. 

"  After  supper,  attend  in  my  office  till  seven 
©"clock,  to  any  remaining  business,  and  close 
the  worldly  concerns  of  the  day;  taking  care  ^to 
have  a  place  in  my  office  for  every  thing ;  and 
every  thing  in  its  place.' 

**  At  seven  o'clock,  go  to  some  place  of  social 
prayer  or  worship.  This  let  me  do,  because  we 
are  exhorted  not  to  forsake  the  assembling  ^of  our- 
selves together :'  and  because  I  find,  by  expe- 
rience, that  those  who  thus  '  wait  upon  the  Lord 
shall  renew  their  strength.^  Let  me  nevet  at- 
tend these  meetings  because  I  think  myself  bet- 
ter than  my  neighbours,  but  to  implore  my  Fa^ 
ther  in  Heaven  to  preserve  me  from  yielding  to 
the  temptations  which  surround  me,  and  which 
abound  within  me. 

"Return  to  my  lodgings,  and  spend  the  remain- 
der of  the  evening  in  reading  and  meditation. 


MEMOIR    OP   BACOjNT.  147 

^^  Attend  to  my  evening  devotion. 

"  Finally,  never  let  me  permit  a  known 
duty  to  be  omitted  ;  and  let  me  do  all  the  good 
1  can.  Even  amidst  the  business  of  the  day, 
I  lind  time  to  do  much  for  the  benefit  of  myself 
and  others  ;  but  often  want  the  mind  and  means. 
Let  me  constantly  pray  for  l)oth.'' 

The  Bible  was  his  constant  companion  ;  and 
its  study  filled  up  nearly  all  those  short  and  bro- 
ken intervals  of  time,  which  the  most  systematic 
routine  of  duties  will  always  leave  unoccupied. 
Kvery  charitable  association  with  which  he  was 
connected,  furnished,  in  the  necessary  meetings  of 
its  members,  frequent  occasions  of  social  prayer 
and  praise ;  which  he  seldom  suffered  to  pass 
without  due  improvement.  Hence,  the  different 
charities,  in  the  promotion  of  some,  or  all  of 
which,  a  large  proportion  of  the  respectable  in- 
dividuals of  the  place  were  united,  became 
strongly  associated  in  their  minds,  with  the  ho- 
liest services,  and  the  highest  considerations  of 
religion.  His  humility,  aided  by  an  enlighten- 
ed knowledge  of  the  duties  of  christians  in 
different  relations,  effectually  restrained  him, 
from  invading  the  sphere  exclusively  alloted  by 
the  Divine  Head  of  the  church,  to  his  commis- 
sioned ministers.  His  circumspection  and  ten- 
derness of  conscience,  even  while  actuated  by 
the  most  ardent  zeal,  and,  in  the  exercise  of  his 
characteristic  energy  prosecuting  the  most  dif- 
ficult services,  were  such  as  seldom  to  f»irnish 


148  MEMOIR    Of   BACOIV. 

even  a  plausible  pretext  for  offence  or  repreheu 
sion,  to  his  most  vigilant  opposers.  His  exam- 
ple in  this  respect  how  worthy,  and  yei  how 
difficult,  of  imitation  !  Few  have  accomplished, 
in  so  short  a  time,  and  at  so  early  a  period  of 
their  religious  life,  so  much  good :  and  vastly 
flewer  have  been  happy  enough  not  to  neutralise 
or  reverse  much  of  the  good  they  have  effected, 
by  a  larger  mixture  of  indiscretion.  This  fact 
is  the  more  remarkable,  as  Mr.  Bacon's  tempera- 
ment was  ardent  in  the  extreme  ;  and  he  seldom 
suffered  the  time  exactly  proper  for  acting,  to 
pass  unimproved.  But  the  true  reason  of  his 
happiness  in  this  respect,  is  explained  by  another 
fact,  from  which  the  same  result  may  always  be 
anticipated.  Mr.  Bacon  *  committed  all  his 
ways  to  the  Lord ;'  even  the  particular  details  of 
his  engagements,  secular  and  religious,  were 
faithfully  commended  to  the  divine  blessing. 
He  knew  it  to  be  the  privilege  of  believers,  to 
be  directed  in  all  their  paths,  by  the  unerring 
guidance  of  the  holy  Spirit.  This  privilege  he 
humbly  embraced ;  and  his  confidence  was  never 
disappointed. 

From  the  date  of  his  conversion,  to  his  death, 
Mr  Bacon's  health  was  delicate ;  but  owing  to 
the  peculiar  organisation  of  his  system,  he  was 
able  always  to  recover  after  a  short  repose,  from 
a  state  of  almost  entire  exhaustion  of  body  and 
mind,  and  seldom  did  he  engage  in  any  service 
for  the  honour  of  God,  or  the  good  of  men 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  149 

which  admitted  sufficient  scope  for  exertion, 
without  proceeding  to  the  utmost  limit  of  his 
strength.  To  this  cause  is  to  be  traced  in  a 
principal  degree,  the  occasional  prevalence  of 
the  imagination  over  the  soberer  faculties  of  the 
mind,  manifested  in  his  speculations  on  several 
of  the  incidents  of  his  religious  experience.  A 
sound  body  is  essentially  necessary  to  the  exact 
and  regular  exercise  of  tlie  nicely  balanced 
mechanism  of  the  understanding:  and  of  this 
blessing  Mr.  Bacon  was  at  the  present  time  de 
prived.  But  it  may  be  said  in  justice  to  his 
character,  and  in  truth,  that  no  man's  piety  was 
of  a  more  rational  kind  than  that  which  he  ha- 
bitually  displayed,  after  a  few  months'  expe- 
rience had  worn  away  the  novelty  of  a  religious 
life.  The  practical  principles  of  few  christians 
were  more  exactly  ascertained  to  themselves,  or 
their  judgment  better  enlightened  by  the  lessons 
of  revelation,  or  more  cautiously  exercised  on 
every  question  of  duty,  than  his.  He  might 
perhaps,  unnecessarily  call  up  to  his  recollection 
the  shapeless  images  of  a  dream  that  were  bet- 
ter forgotten ;  and  might  borrow  from  it  instruc- 
tion that  were  better  derived  from  other  sources. 
But  even  this  infirmity  was,  to  say  the  least,  inno- 
cent in  its  effects, — it  might  to  him,  have  proved 
even  a  beneficial  one.  ^His  dreams,'  he  ap- 
pears to  have  ^  told  as  dreams  ;'  and  never  in  the 
least  to  have  confounded  their  fancied  interpre- 
tations with  the  predictions  of  prophecy,  or  the 


150  MEMOIR    Of    UACOIN. 

authority  of  the  word  of  God.     Even  of  his 
dreams  it  may  be  said,  that  they  evince  the  strong 
and  prevailing  influence  of  pious  feelings  in  his 
mind.     Happy  for  those  who  would  too  severely 
censure  this  fault,  rather  of  a  disordered  body 
than  mind,  if  their  own  thoughts  and  affections 
are,  like  his,  so  habitually  given  to  their  Saviour 
and   to   celestial   themes,  that  the   imagination 
shall  retain  its  hold  upon  them,  when  that  is  the 
only  faculty  which  wakes  in  the  sleeping  soul ! 
He  occasionally  exhibited  a  similar  propensity 
which  is  easily  traced  to  the  same  causes,  to 
fancy  himself  the  subject  of  waking  visions,  and 
supernatural  impressions.     But  it  is  not  known 
that  his  judgment,  except  in  two  or  three  in- 
stances,  became  the  sport  of  illusions  of  this 
nature ;  and  those  occurred  in  the  earlier  stages 
of  his  religious  experience,  when  it  was  more 
difiBcult  to  separate  the  actings  of  grace,  from 
the  impressions  of  the  fancy.* 

On  a  visit  to  Philadelphia  in  May,  1818,  as 
a  delegate  to  the  convention  of  the  lipiscopal 
church  of  the  diocese,  either  through  mere  de- 
pression of  spirits,  or  from  the  influence  of  pro- 
bably, very  insufficient  reasons,  he  was  nearly 
induced  to  withdraw  his  name  from  the  list  of 
theological  candidates.  This  intention  was,  how- 
ever, overruled  by  the  very  seasonable  advice 
of  two  of  his  clerical  friends,  to  whom  he  com- 

*  See  Appendix,  Not«  \h 


MElSIOin    CV    EACON.  i^li 

miinicated  his  scruples.  "I  rejoice,*'  he  re- 
marks,  in  reference  to  his  conduct  on  tliis  occa- 
sion, "  that  I  did  not  take  my  own  Avay :  and 
from  this  period  I  was  more  and  more  confirmed 
in  my  purpose  to  enter  the  ministry.'' 

During  the  summer,  a  small  portion  only  of 
bis  time  was  devoted  to  the  study  of  systematic 
theology.  But  his  rapid  advancement  in  a  prac- 
tical acquaintance  with  the  scriptures,  and  the 
important  science  of  experimental  religion, 
more  than  compensated  his  want  of  opportunity 
for  more  abstract  studies.  He  learnt  in  what 
manner  to  offer  the  prayer  of  faith,  to  obtain  tho 
victory  over  the  world,  to  mortify  the  corrup- 
tions of  his  nature,  and  copy  into  his  life  the 
example  of  his  Lord.  Nor  was  his  light  ^  hid 
under  a  bushel.'  He  ^  glorified  his  heavenly 
Father,'  by  an  unstudied  but  conspicuous  ex- 
hibition  in  his  own  character,  of  the  power  of 
his  grace.  A  number  of  souls  were  evidently 
turned '  from  darkness  to  light,'  by  his  means,  dur- 
ing this  period  ;  and  rich  and  numerous  were 
the  blessings,  which  through  his  exhortations, 
and  prayers,  were  communicated  to  the  little 
flock  of  believers  who  formed  his  chosen,  and 
principal  associates.  In  a  letter  dated  October 
l;ith,  he  writes  to  a  confidential  christian  friend, 
"My  cup  is  full  to  overflowing.  Help  me  to 
praise  ray  merciful  Saviour.  A  brother  of  mine 
lately  visited  me.  He  was  a  confirmed  deist. 
Being  older  than  myself,  I  ne2;lected,  for  some 


15S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

lime,  to  invite  him  to  our  stated  prayer  meetings^ 
fearing  the  ridicule  of  sacred  tilings  which 
might  he  expected  from  his  satirical  tongue. 
But  a  sense  ot'duty  compelled  meat  length  to  take 
him  along.  We  went  into  meeting  :  in  prayer, 
lie  was  the  only  one  present  who  stood.  He 
kept  his  position  as  erect  as  a  post ;  until,  as  I 
was  kneeling  near  him,  1  pulled  him  hy  the  coat^ 
and  he  came  upon  his  knees.— -God  not  only 
gave  me  utterance,  but  enabled  me  to  wrestle  in 
faith  for  his  salvation.  The  next  morning  he 
came  very  early  into  my  room,  begging  me  to 
pray  for  him.  I  did  so ;  and  kept  him  with  mo 
about  twelve  days.  In  the  mean  time  he  was 
born  both,  ^  of  the  ivater  and  of  the  Spirit,^ 
He  partook  of  the  holy  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper,  and  has  left  me,  and  all  his  sins  be- 
hind." 

The  brother  referred  to  in  this  extract,  has 
since  exhibited  a  life  of  consistent  piety,  and 
been  usefully  employed  in  a  public  capacity,  on 
the  coast  of  Africa. 

Mr.  Bacon's  engagements  during  the  remain- 
der of  the  autumn  and  winter,  continued  much 
of  the  same  character  as  for  the  last  preceding 
half  year.  But,  having  resolved  on  drawing 
his  secular  concerns  to  a  close  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble,  and  devoting  the  residue  of  his  life  to  the 
work  of  the  sanctuary,  be  much  better  sustained 
the  character  of  an  intrepid  and  indefatigable 
evangelist,  during  this  period,  than  that  of  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BACOK.  153 

profession  which  he  was  shortly  to  lay  aside. 
He  had  associated  with  him,  a  gentleman  of  the 
bar,  into  whose  hands  he  gradually  relinquished 
the  extensive  practice  which  he  formerly  had  in 
the  county.  In  this  period  he  made  several  in- 
effectual attempts  to  redeem,  from  the  exactions 
of  his  secular  business,  a  few  weeks,  at  least,  to 
be  employed  in  the  retired  and  uninterrupted 
study  of  theology.  But  the  cause  of  christian 
benevolence  in  various  forms,  preferred  such 
numerous  and  pressing  demands  on  his  exertions^, 
and  his  counsel,  as  wholly  to  fill  up  the  inter- 
vals of  his  leisure  from  more  secular  duties  :  and, 
until  the  ensuing  month  of  May,  he  had  not  ad- 
vanced beyond  the  threshold  of  theological  read- 
ing. During  the  winter  of  1818 — 19,  and  the 
ensuing  spring,  he  seldom  devoted  less  than 
three  days  in  the  week  to  the  formation  and  su- 
perintendence of  Sabbath  schools.  The  month 
of  May  was  passed  in  Philadelphia;  where,  by 
changing  the  scene  of  his  labours,  and  varying 
their  customary  routine,  he  regained  a  better 
habit  of  health  than  he  had  before  enjoyed  since 
the  commencement  of  his  religious  life.  The 
acquaintance  which,  during  this  season,  he  cul- 
tivated with  an  extensive  circle  of  humble  and 
devoted  christians,  for  which  that  city  is  pre-emi- 
nently distinguished,  proved,  in  many  respects_, 
serviceable  to  him.  It  cemented  with  souls  of 
congenial  character  and  feelings,  an  union,  and 
laid  the  foundation  for  a  future  correspondence 
30 


154  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

which  often  in  his  subsequent  labours  and  trials, 
greatly  assisted  to  sustain  his  weary  hands,  and 
animate  his  drooping  spirits.  He  learnt  at  the 
same  time,  to  discriminate  more  accurately  be- 
tween mere  animal  emotions  and  the  kindlings 
of  the  imagination,  and  those  pure  and  sanctify- 
ing influences  of  the  Spirit  of  God  on  the  mind^ 
which  like  a  deep  and  perennial  fountain,  ^spring 
up  in  the  soul,  to  life  everlasting.'  He  returned 
to  York  about  the  first  of  June. 

Soon  afterwards,  he  drew  up,  and  published 
in  the  Gazettes  of  York,  a  series  of  essays  ex- 
planatory of  the  objects  of  the  American  Coloni- 
zation Society,  with  a  special  view  to  its  vindica- 
tion from  the  exceptions  which  had  been  ex*- 
pressed  by  many,  even  of  the  friends  of  the  black 
population  of  this  country.  Mr.  Bacon  had  for 
several  years,  been  a  useful  member  of  the  Abo- 
lition Society  of  Pennsylvania.  His  benevo- 
lence was,  however,  of  too  disinterested  a  cha- 
racter to  suffer  him  to  withhold  from  any  good 
cause,  the  support  and  patronage  which  he  could 
afford  it.  At  an  early  period  of  the  operations  of 
the  Colonization  Society,  he  perceived  that  their 
measures  were  inspired  by  the  same  philanthro- 
phic  principle  as  those  of  the  Abolition  Society  ; 
and  conceived  them  to  be  much  more  practica- 
ble, more  systematic,  and  equally  expansive  in 
their  final  objects.  He  perceived  likewise,  that 
these  objects  were  not  well  understood  even  by 
his  brethren  of  the  Pennsylvania  Society ;  and 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  130 

that  many  prejudices  existed  which  had  their  foun- 
dation wholly  in  this  ignorance.  His  essays  were 
therefore  very  seasonable,  and  happily  adapted 
to  accomplish  the  ends  of  the  writer.  It  was 
unfortunate  that  the  imperfections  of  their  style, 
owing  to  the  haste  employed  in  their  production, 
tended  to  restrict  their  publication  to  more  cir- 
cumscribed limits  than  from  the  facts  which  they 
embodied,  and  the  soundness  of  the  reasoning, 
they  deserved. 

The  months  of  June  and  July,  were  passed 
in  York  with  fewer  interruptions  to  his  theologi. 
cal  studies  either  from  business  or  charitable 
engagements,  than  any  former  period.  The  sa- 
cred scriptures  formed  the  principal  object  of  his 
attention  at  this  time ;  and  the  course  of  his 
reading  on  other  subjects  in  divinity,  although 
limited,  was  in  conformity  to  the  regulations  of 
the  canons,  and  of  the  House  of  bishops  of  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  church,  and  pursued  under 
the  particular  direction  of  the  Rev.  Professor 
Turner,  of  the  Greneral  Theological  Seminary, 
who  spent  several  months  of  this  summer  in  Phil- 
adelphia. His  extreme  anxiety,  to  bring  himself 
to  the  sacred  w  ork  as  one  that '  needs  not  to  be 
ashamed ;'  his  incessant  and  earnest  cries  for  the 
teachings  of  tlie  divine  Spirit ;  the  deep  interest 
of  his  affections  in  all  evangelical  subjects ;  his 
high  sense  of  the  dignity  and  responsibility  of 
the  charge ;  and  above  all,  the  entire  devotion 
of  his  soul  to  the  pursuit  of  God's  glory,  and 


456  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

the  salvation  of  men,  stimulated  his  progress  m 
these  preparatory  studies  in  a  measure  altogether 
surpassing  that  of  his  time  or  advantages.  His 
theological  knowledge  may  be  properly  regarded 
as  consisting  of  a  deep  practical  impression  of 
the  most  important  truths  of  revelation,  upon 
his  mind.  It  was  unmixed  with  human  theo- 
ries ;  because  derived  directly  from  the  purest  of 
all  sources  :  it  was  calculated  for  direct  applica= 
tion  to  the  highest  purposes  of  devotion,  and 
spiritual  improvement:  because  sought  express- 
ly for  these  ends,  and  in  the  use  of  these  very 
means. 

In  the  month  of  August,  he  again  repaired  to 
Philadelphia  to  complete  his  preparations  for 
ordination,  and  assume  the  sacred  ofiTice.  He 
had  nearly  disposed  of  all  his  secular  connex- 
ions with  the  world  at  this  time,  and  enjoyed 
in  the  increased  abstraction  of  his  thoughts  from 
temporal  cares  and  labours,  a  repose  of  soul 
which  eminently  comported  with  the  sacredness 
of  his  pursuit,  and  the  solemnity  of  the  approach- 
ing scenes.  He  thus  had  the  opportunity  of 
more  fully  ascertaining  his  true  motives,  and  of 
maturing  his  views,  in  devoting  himself  to  the 
ministerial  service,  and  confirming  his  purposes 
jn  relation  to  its  duties.  The  use  which  he 
made  of  this  opportunity,  as  relates  to  his  own 
spiritual  improvement,  will  be  seen  in  the  ex- 
tract?  which  are  to  follow  from  his  jpurnal. 


MEMOIll    OF    BACON.  157 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  summer  of  18l9» 
the  managers  of  the  Philadelphia  Bible  Society, 
determined  to  execute  a  purpose  which  they  had 
for  some  time  cherished,  of  diifusing  more  exten- 
sively in  the  interior  of  the  state,  tlie  benefits  of 
their  institution,  tlian  they  had  ever  attempted 
before.  It  became  necessary  to  employ  in  this 
service,  a  person  of  peculiar  qualifications.  The 
views  of  the  board  were  soon  directed  to  Mr. 
Bacon,  as  the  individual  presented  to  their  choice 
by  the  especial  providence  of  Him  to  whom 
their  prayers  had  been  fervently  addressed  for 
the  means  of  accomplishing  their  important  ob- 
ject. His  want  of  holy  orders,  and  a  number  of 
obligations  of  a  secular  nature,  appeared  to  him- 
self and  others,  for  a  time,  to  present  an  impas- 
sable obstacle  to  his  engaging  in  this  mission. 
But  the  last  were  removed  in  a  way  so  clearly 
providential,  as  to  induce  a  very  serious  inquiry 
whether  it  had  not  become  a  duty  to  apply  for 
ordination  at  an  earlier  period  than  he  had  before 
thought  compatible  with  a  due  preparation  for 
the  ministerial  oflSce.  After  seriously  weigh- 
ing the  important  question,  he  resolved  to  sub- 
mit himself  to  the  examination  and  advice  of 
the  clerical  committee  on  whose  certificate  the 
Bishop  of  the  diocese  was  to  act,  in  conferring 
ordination  on  theological  candidates.  This  ex- 
amination he  sustained  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
committee,  in  the  beginning  of  September,  and 
was  admitted  to  holy  orders  by  the  Kight  llev. 


158  MEMOIR    Ot    hACOl-i, 

Bishop  White,  of  the  diocese  of  Pennsylvania, 
on  the  fifth  of  the  same  month. 

In  October  of  1818,  Mr.  Bacon  had  commenc- 
ed, as  a  means  of  his  private  improvement,  a  reli- 
gious diary ;  which  was  continued  until  his 
ordination,  without  much  interruption;  and, 
with  more  frequent  intervals,  from  that  time  to 
the  commencement  of  his  last  illness.  The 
utility  of  this  practice  has  been  doubted ;  but 
certainly,  on  insufficient  grounds.  A  religious 
journal  may  indeed,  be  the  oifspring  of  spiri- 
tual pride,  and  the  instrument  of  religious 
vanity.  And  which  of  the  means  of  grace  may 
not  be  corrupted  by  the  same  motives  ?  But 
growth  in  grace  is  always  aided  by  experience. 
And  the  chief  advantage  of  a  religious  diary,  as 
a  means  of  spiritual  improvement  consists  in  its 
cli'ect  to  fix  more  permanently  in  the  memory 
and  impress  more  cllectually  on  the  heart,  the 
lessons  of  experience.  This  advantage  it  pos- 
sesses in  a  higher  degree  than  perhaps  any 
other  means.  The  most  exact  and  striking  de- 
lineations of  the  character  of  eminent  saints, 
have  likewise  after  tlieir  decease,  been  drawn 
from  this  part  of  their  writings,  with  great  advan- 
tage to  their  successors  in  the  christian  warfare. 

Mr.  Bacon's  journal  seems  to  have  been  de- 
signed for  the  improvement  or  inspection  of  no 
person  except  himself.  It  was  written  with  the 
most  unguarded  simplicity,  and  bears  every 
characteristic  of  a  most  authentic  registry  of  the 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  159 

religious  operations  of  his  own  mint!,  as  it  was 
affected  by  a  singular  variety  of  circumstances. 
So  sensible  did  he  become  of  the  utility  of  the 
practice,  that  after  nearly  a  year's  experience  of 
its  advantages,  he  recorded  an  expression  of  re- 
gret, and  self  accusation  for  a  few  weeks  inci- 
dental neglect  of  his  journal.  A  religious  diary 
secures  at  least  one  important  end, — that  of  en- 
gaging the  mind  frequently,  in  reflecting  on  its 
own  exercises.  It  likewise  may  have  the  effect 
to  strengthen,  by  giving  a  distinct  expression  to 
the  pious  purposes  and  feelings  of  the  heart. 
Both  of  these  effects  are  directly  connected 
with  the  growth  of  divine  life  in  the  soul,  and 
die  maintenance  of  a  godly  and  holy  life. 

The  first  entry  in  his  journal  was  made,  Oc- 
tober S8th,  1818. — The  w4iole  exhibits  a  gra- 
dual progress  in  his  christian  experience,  from 
the  untutored  ardour  of  the  young  convert's  first 
love,  to  its  comparative  maturity  in  a  habit  of  de- 
vout affection,  as  pure  as  it  was  elevated. 

Prayer  has  been  significantly  styled  the  na- 
tural respiration  of  the  new-born  soul ;  and  the 
gently  distilling  influence  of  the  divine  Spirit, 
the  etherial  element  on  which  it  habitually  feeds. 
The  subjed  of  this  memoir  has  been  seen  in  a  la- 
borious, but  ineffectual  struggle  with  the  opposing 
principles  of  his  nature,  to  hold  himself  to  the 
stated  performance  of  this  duty,  even  after  long 
and  frecpient  intervals  of  its  allowed  neglect. 
Rut  now  the  holy  work  proceeds  almost  without 


160  MEMOIR    OF    BACOW. 

constraint,  or  interruption.  Nearly  every  ex- 
pression of  his  feelings  is  blended  with  a  fervent 
invocation  to  the  author  of  all  spiritual  influ- 
ences, for  an  increase  of  those  very  desires 
which  prompts  his  petitions.  Communion  with 
God,  through  his  Son,  and  by  the  Holy  Spirit,*  is 
now  the  most  delightful,  and  therefore  an  uiii= 
form  exercise  of  the  soul.  It  is  the  highest  end 
to  which  it  aspires,  and  an  employment,  in  which 
could  it  be  wholly  absorbed,  it  would  repose  its 
tired  energies  with  inconceivable  delight. 

If  among  so  many  qualities  peculiarly  chris- 
tian as  Mr.  Bacon  exhibited  in  his  character,  any 
one  shone  with  pre-eminent  lustre,  it  must  be  re- 
ferred to  the  spirit  of  prayer,  which  constantly 
informed  his  whole  soul.  Prayer  was  the  first 
employment  of  his  waking  mind  in  the  morning  ; 
and  the  last  of  his  weary  thoughts,  at  night.  So 
entirely  wrought  into  the  frame  and  habit  of 
prayer,  were  the  affections  of  his  heart,  that  they 
seemed  to  pursue  their  accustomed  employment, 
when  sleep  had  entirely  suspended  the  functions 
of  the  bodily  senses.  '^^  1  have  remarked,"  he 
states,  in  putting  down  the  results  of  his  short 
experience  on  this  subject,  '^  that  whenever  I  fall 
asleep  at  night  in  the  exercise  of  a  holy  praying 
spirit,  my  soul  prays  through  the  whole  night  \ 
Happy  slumbers  !  There  is  little  in  them  of 
that  deep,  death-like  stupor  which  formerly  char 

*  Epk  II,  IS 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  I6l 

acterised  my  sleep ;  but  while  all  the  purposes 
of  sleep  as  to  the  refreshment  of  body  and 
mind,  are  answered,  I  am  still  suflRciently 
awake  to  hold  communion  with  God.  Oh  that 
my  soul  may  be  confirmed  in  this  happy  frame !" 
On  another  occasion  : — "  In  answer  to  prayer,  I 
arose  this  morning  with  a  praying  mind.  For 
this  blessing  I  earnestly  entreated  God,  on  re- 
tiring to  rest.  Even  my  sleep  was  a  season  of 
prayer."  This  blessed  influence  rested,  in  the 
same  degree  on  his  mind,  through  a  season  of 
severe  trial  arising  from  the  perplexing  cares 
of  the  ensuing  day. 

Mr.  Bacon  was  so  highly  favoured  of  his 
heavenly  Father,  as  not  only  to  receive  all  his 
providential  dispensations  with  filial  submission 
and  gratitude ;  but  to  be  able  to  see  the  direct 
connexion  of  most  of  his  comforts,  and  many 
of  his  chastisements  either  with  his  faithful  per- 
formance or  his  neglect,  of  this  duty.  November 
14th,  he  thus  writes  :  "  I  have  been  absent  for 
several  days  in  the  interior.  A  consciousness 
of  having  neglected  my  duty  towards  my  dying 
friend  ^  *  *  *  *  embittered  ray  mind.  It  was  my 
earnest  prayer,  that  we  might  both  be  suffered  to 
meet  again.  God  is  good,  and  spared  me  to  re- 
turn, and  find  him  still  alive,  and  apparently  not 
so  near  his  end  as  I  expected.  I  repaired  to  his 
chamber,  and  spent  a  solemn  season  of  prayer 
and  earnest  conversation  with  him.  He  feels 
his  need  of  a  Saviour,  and  is  earnest  about  his 
31 


16S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

sours  welfare.  He  appears  in  a  good  degree 
resigned.  May  God  have  mercy  on  him,  and 
save  his  soul."  On  bringing  his  professional 
business  to  a  final  close  in  the  summer  of  1819, 
he  has  the  following  entries  in  his  journal : 

^'^  .Tuly  14th.  I  am  waiting  in  earnest  prayer 
for  the  Lord  to  help  me.  I  have  used  all  the 
means  in  my  power  to  extricate  myself  from  tliis 
last  pressure  of  my  temporal  affairs ;  which  alone 
appears  to  detain  me  in  my  present  situation. 
But  my  own  providence  and  exertions  can  help 
me  no  further.  I  know  not  what  way  to  turn 
myself — may  the  Lord  disperse  the  cloud  which 
hangs  over  my  future  path. 

"  July  SOth.  To  day,  a  most  unexpected 
deliverance  has  been  wrought  for  me.  A  gentle- 
man of  Philadelphia  has  voluntarily  advanced 
me  seven  hundred  dollars  to  enable  me  to  leave 
the  place,  and  enter  immediately  on  the  prose- 
cution of  the  important  agency  to  which  I  have 
been  appointed.  This  indeed  was  least  expec- 
ted !  How  soon  the  cloud  has  been  broken — is 
dispersed — is  gone !  All  is  plain  before  me. 
To  what  wonderful  interpositions  will  not  the 
Lord  sometimes  condescend,  in  order  to  convince 
us,  that  if  we  will  trust  him,  he  will  help  and 
protect  us !" 

Mr.  Bacon  took  great  delight  in  social  prayer 
and  praise : — a  privilege  which  he  ever  thought 
nearly  connected  with  his  comfort,  and  advance- 
ment in  the  christian  life.    The  fervour  of  his  af 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  l63 

lections  seemed  on  these  occasions,  to  be  assisted 
by  the  gentle  excitement  which  the  presence  of  his 
christian  friends  supplied ;  without  feeling  the  re- 
straint which  a  large  promiscuous  assembly,  and 
a  more  formal  order  of  worship  would  be  likely 
to  produce.  These  seasons  were  sought  and  en- 
joyed almost  every  day.  Often  had  he  occasion 
to  record  in  his  diary  a  thankful  memorial  of  the 
abundant  blessings  there  dispensed  to  his  own 
soul,  and  to  his  friends. 

It  was  natural  that  a  person  so  constituted 
as  Mr.  Bacon,  should,  in  the  commencement  of 
his  christian  experience,  not  only  be  strongly 
susceptible  himself  to  the  impressions  of  exter- 
nal excitements,  but  measure  the  good  feelings 
of  others  too  much  by  the  strength  of  their  mere 
animal  emotions.  Hence,  he  sometimes  com- 
plained of  the  "  deadness"  of  himself  and  his 
brethren,  when  few  "  sighs"  and  "  tears,"  and 
external  *•  expressions  of  rejoicing,"  were  ex- 
cited in  their  social  meetings.  None  has  a  right 
to  forbid  these  manifestations  of  pious  feeling : 
for  strong  internal  sensations,  whatever  may  be 
their  nature  or  cause,  are  necessarily  productive 
of  visible  emotions:  and  it  fully  accords  both  with 
the  scriptures  and  enlightened  reason,  to  believe 
that  the  Spirit  of  Christ  can  produce  in  the  mindi 
of  his  people,  stronger  and  more  affecting  sensa» 
tions  of  love,  rejoicing  and  desire,  than  any  other 
inferior  cause.  The  danger  is  in  making  bodily 
emotions  the  test  of  holy  feeling,  and  aiming 


i^4i  MEMOIR   OF   BACOX. 

rather  to  move  the  animal  spirits,  than  to  imp  I  ant 
and  invigorate  holy  dispositions  in  the  mind. 
The  Spirit  of  God,  without  whose  direct  agency 
there  can  be  no  right  feelings  or  desires  in  the 
heart,  has  his  seat  deep  in  the  recesses  of  the 
soul :  and  before  he  animates  the  affections,  it 
should  always  be  remembered,  that  he  sanctifies 
them ;  and  all  his  blessed  operations  tend  more 
to  the  destruction  of  sin,  than  to  the  produc- 
tion of  present  rapture.  But  both  effects  result, 
to  a  certain  extent,  from  the  same  divine  influ- 
ence. Hence  the  command  to  "  rejoice  ever- 
more ;"  and  among  the  enumerated  fruits  of  the 
spirit,  are  "love,  joy,  peace."  "The  kingdom  of 
Heaven  is  not  only  righteousness,"  but  "  peace 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost." — Mr.  Bacon  hag 
occasion  in  relation  to  these  means  of  grace,  to 
say  at  one  time,  "At  our  morning  prayer  meet- 
ing, I  felt  the  Lord  present  to  assist  us  all.  In 
the  evening  service,  God  was  likewise  there 
with  his  blessing."  On  another  occasion ;  "  At 
evening  prayer  meeting,"  "  a  goodly  company 
was  assembled.  But  there  was  little  life:  no 
tears,  no  sighs,  and  almost  no  rejoicing.  I  had 
great  enlargement  of  desire  and  expression  in 
prayer,"  Soon  after  :  ^^  I  was  not  at  our  little 
meeting  to  night.  I  regret  it.  I  want  food — and 
even  hunger  and  thirst  for  the  bread  and  waters 
of  life."  Again  :  at "  social  prayer  meeting  this 
night,  I  enjoyed  a  refreshing  repast.  In  prayer 
and  exhortation  my  feelings  and  desires  were 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  lOP 

carried  strongly  upwards  in  an  unusual  degree. 
Bless  God,  O  ray  soul,  for  all  his  goodness." 
Two  days  afterwards  :  •'  met  the  little  praying 
circle  at  *****  *  God  gave  me  grace  to  press 
the  invitations  of  his  eospel  on  the  attention  of 
the  Christless.  Oh  he  is  good  to  them  !  He  is 
good  to  me  !  To  his  name  be  all  glory.'' — "  In 
church  this  evening,"  he  again  states,  "  the  sea- 
son was  precious,— most  comforting  to  myself, — 
and  profitable,  1  have  reason  to  believe  to  many 
others.  Some  hard  hearts  certainly  relented  ;  I 
hope  were  broken,  for  sin."—-"  In  singing  the 
lines 

'  On  wings  of  faith  my  soul  shall  flj, 
Nor  tire  amidst  the  heavenly  road,' 

my  mind  was  filled  with  a  rich  flow  of  consola- 
tion." On  another  occasion  he  states, "  This 
evening  I  heard  ******  preach.  He  appeared 
animated  with  the  spirit  of  grace.  The  season 
was  more  than  happy,  it  was  a  glorious  one. 
The  power  of  the  most  High  seemed  to  rest  on 
the  congregation.  Some  souls  I  fully  believe 
will  long  remember  the  time.— May  God  be 
praised." 

Mr.  Bacon  never  perceived  that  he  spent  a 
greater  proportion  of  his  time  in  attendance  on 
these  social  and  public  exercises  of  devotion 
than  his  own  improvement  and  that  of  his  friends, 
demanded.  And  on  that  question  he  was  better 
able  to  judge  and  decide  correctly,  than  any  other 
person 3  But  he  was  by  no  means  insensible  of  the 


l66  MEMOIR    OF    BACOiN. 

need  of  circuraspeclion  and  vigilance,  in  guard- 
ing against  tlie  peculiar  dangers  from  which  not 
even  these  nurseries  of  prayer,  and  holy  affec- 
tions, were  exempt.  The  very  light  which  they 
helped  to  kindle  in  his  mind,  discovered  to  him 
the  necessity  of  employi-g  in  conjunction  with 
them,  other  means  of  growing  in  grace,  and  at- 
taining to  that  state  of  holiness  which  is  the 
liigh  mark  of  every  genuine  christian.  The 
succeeding  extracts  will  well  illustrate  this  ex- 
alting trait  of  his  christian  experience. 

"  December  18th.  1  last  night,  before  re- 
tiring to  bed,  had  unusual  comfort  in  private 
prayer,  and  reading  the  scriptures.  Oh  that 
God  would  deliver  me  from  inbred  corruptions  ! 
My  greatest  desire  is  for  more  enlargement  and 
faith,  in  private  devotion.  But  languor  and  in- 
sensibility, in  too  great  a  degree,  succeeded. 
This  spiritual  dcadness,  in  private — especially 
in  private  devotion,  is  alarming.  I  detect  in 
myself  a  crying  inconsistency.  Often  have  I 
felt  a  flow  of  love,  and  comfort,  in  social  devo- 
tion, and  at  the  same  time,  not  in  private.  This 
I  attribute,  partly,  to  my  attending  prayer  meet- 
ings every  night,  and  often  leading  in  the  exer- 
cises; when  I  in  a  manner,  exhaust  my  suppli- 
cations, and  have  no  more  to  ask.  But  private 
prayer  is  most  profitable, — God  grant  it  may 
prove  to  me  the  most  delightful  duty."  Again  : 
"  I  thank  God  I  am  getting  to  feel  the  same  de^ 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  167 

light  in  private  prayer,  and  the  study  of  the 
Bible,  which  1  formerly  possessed." 

The  praying  christian  is  always  stimulated 
to  perseverance  in  this  duty,  by  a  strong  desire 
after  the  holy  comforts  of  divine  grace.  Such 
was  manifestly  a  constant  motive  of  his  ardent 
supplications,  in  the  mind  of  Mr  Bacon.  But  a 
cause  no  less  universal,  and  no  less  effectual,  is 
the  deep  and  increasing  consciousness  which 
every  regenerate  soul  possesses,  of  the  power 
of  indwelling  sin,  the  misleading  tendency  of 
many  of  his  perverse  habits,  and  the  humbling 
nature  and  number  of  his  bodily,  mental  and  spi- 
ritual infirmities.  A  sense  of  misery,  and  the 
want  of  instant  help,  perhaps  extorts  every  sin- 
ner's first  cries  to  God  for  mercy.  And  after 
mercy  is  obtained,  and  the  soul  enjoys  a  heaven- 
ly peace  in  believing,  the  sense  of  inbred  cor- 
ruption, instead  of  being  removed,  is  heighten- 
ed : — nay,  the  evil  is  then,  indeed,  first  seen  in 
its  extent ;  and  the  dependence  of  the  soul  on 
the  influences  of  the  holy  Spirit,  for  health  and 
salvation,  first  felt  as  it  should  be.  Let  the  work 
of  sanctification  proceed  to  any  degree  of  earthly 
perfection  :  the  eye  of  the  understanding  will  be 
proportionably  freed  from  its  natural  dimness, 
and  enabled  still  to  perceive  new  proofs  of  un- 
sauctified  desires,  and  new  traits  of  the  aliena- 
tion of  the  soul  from  God.  The  evidence, 
therefore,  of  a  regenerate  heart,  and  of  an  ad- 
vanced state  of  spiritual  improvement  which  the 


16S  MtMOlIt    01    BACOIS. 

believer  must  be  expected  to  exhibit,  is  rather  to 
be  sought  ill  an  increasing  sense  of  his  imworthi- 
ness  and  imperfections,  than  in  the  silence  of  his 
complaints,  and  confessions,  on  account  of  these 
evils.  Mr.  Bacon's  complaints  on  this  ground 
were  loud  and  frequent.  The  mental  anguish 
which  be  sometimes  endured  from  a  deep  sense 
of  sinfulness,  required  the  strong  supports  of 
that  grace  which  he  possessed,  to  prevent  him 
from  sinking  under  the  burden.*  He  was  dili- 
gent, and  through  a  constant  *  supply  of  the  Spi- 
rit of  grace,'  in  a  good  degree  faithful,  in  keep- 
ing his  heart.  His  affections  arising  from  the 
temptations  of  business,  and  the  conviction  of 
much  imperfection  in  his  best  obedience  to  the 
law  of  Christ,  constantly  increased  the  measure 
of  his  experience,  and  led  on  his  mind  to  new 
and  stronger  efforts  of  faith,  and  formed  it  to  a 
more  confirmed  habit  of  christian  patience.  The 
passages  in  his  journal  which  follow,  explain 
the  exercises  of  his  mind  under  these  various 
exigencies  of  his  religious  experience,  during 
a  few  of  the  latter  months  of  his  residence  in 
York. 

"  October  26th,  1818.  I  was  this  day  deep- 
ly engaged  in  my  secular  business :  but  was  ha- 
bitually sensible  of  the  presence,  and  love  of 
God.  My  heart  was,  however,  drawn  in  several 

*  "  The  burden  of  our  sins  is  intolerable." — Commii' 
fdon  Service,  intended  for  the  use  of  converted  persons, 


MEMOIR    OP   BACON.  169 

instances^  towards  the  earth.  Once  or  twice  my 
besetting  infirmity,  fretful neas,  and  impatience, 
discovered  itself.  This  I  know  to  be  exceedingly 
displeasing  to  God,  and  pray  that  he  would 
give  me  grace  to  overcome  it.  I  desire  to  do  in 
all  my  conduct  just  as  my  Saviour  himself  would 
have  done.  That  sweet,  mild,  affectionate,  pa- 
tient, holy  temper  of  mind  : — Oh  !  I  want  it."— 
*^  This  day  I  fear  has  proved  an  unprofitable 
one.  How  unfaithful !  how  unguarded  have 
I  been !  O  God,  I  beseech  thee  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  to  sanctify  my  soul,  and  takeaway 
these  remnants  of  my  corrupt  nature," 

"  October  37th.  Still  unfaithful  to  my  God. 
I  find  when  business  presses,  and  I  become 
thoroughly  immersed  in  it,  I  lose  all  lively  sensi- 
bility of  the  divine  presence.  I  lose  my  praying 
frame  of  mind.  To  what  changes  am  I  hourly 
liable !" 

"  October  28th.  Oh,  the  corruptions  of  my 
nature  !  my  most  earnest  prayer  is  to  be  set  free 
from  them.  I  pray  for  sanctifying  grace.  I 
have  this  day  imbibed  too  freely,  alas  !  the  spirit 
of  the  world ;  and  lost  much  of  the  holy  joy 
which  I  possessed  a  very  few  days  ago.  Before 
repairing  to  the  place  of  prayer,  this  evening,  I 
resolved  to  recover  with  God's  help,  the  lost 
blessing.  I  have  wrestled  for  it,  and  can  be 
satisfied  with  nothing  but  Jesus  Christ,  and  him 
crucified.  O  God,  slay  this  propensity  to  sin, 
and  offend  thee,  and  fill  me  with  the  Holy 


lyO  !»Et:MOTK    OF    BACON. 

Grhost.  My  soul  pants  after  full,  free,  present 
salvation.  Keep  me  faithful  unto  death  ;  I  feel 
how  fatal  is  a  single  hour's  neglect  of  watchful- 
ness. Yet  the  Lord  is  gracious,  and  ready  at 
all  times,  to  receive  my  sorrowing  soul  back  to 
his  love." 

"  October  S9th.  I  perceive,  on  reviewing 
the  exercises  of  my  mind  the  past  day,  that  my 
whole  heart,  and  soul,  and  strength,  has  not  re- 
turned to  Jesns  Christ.  It  is  not  many  days 
since  my  soul  was  raised  above  the  earth,  and 
stretching  still  upward  towards  the  heights  of 
salvaion ;  filled  with  lioly  joy,  using  every  oppov- 
tunity  to  bring  sinners  back  to  God,  long- 
ing for,  and  fully  bent  on  the  work  of  the  min, 
istry,  I  was  so  entirely  rapt  with  the  sweet 
theme  of  salvation,  that  nothing  else  could  give 
me  pleasure.  My  professional  business  was 
tasteless,  and  almost  odious  to  me.  Last  Mon- 
day, commenced  the  county  sessions.  I  tore 
my  mind  from  the  loved  subject,  and  devoted 
it  to  my  causes  in  court.  A  few  hours'  neglect 
of  watchfulness,  only,  intervened,  and  my  joy 
and  comfort  fled.  I  was  not  sensible  of  my  loss, 
until  like  Samson,  I  awoke  and  began  as  usual 
to  exercise  my  strength,  and  found,  to  my  sorrow, 
it  was  gone.  I  had,  through  grace,  felt  myself  a 
Samson  with  his  hair  at  its  full  length.  I 
now  am  a  Samson  shorn.  No  longer  ago  than 
?ast  Sunday,  my  soul  was  borne  along  on  the  full 
tide  of  love  and  glory ;  only  four  days  have 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  171 

elapsed  and  I  am  heavy,  motionless,  and  unfit 
for  Heaven.  O  my  God,  help  me  1  beseech 
thee  !  I  ask  it  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ." 

"October  3lst.  I  feel  sensibly  at  a  dis- 
tance from  my  God  :  and  am  struggling  against 
a  host  of  corruptions,  to  approach  nearer.  I 
hunger,  and  am  not  satisfied.  I  thirst,  yet  can- 
not drink.  My  spirits  are  ruffled  ;  and  I  am 
far  from  enjoying  that  calm  repose  of  soul, 
which  I  lately  found  in  leaning  by  faith  on  my 
Saviour.  One  cause  of  the  disturbance  of  my 
feelings  1  think  I  understand.  I  lately  visited 
some  christian  friends,  whose  manners  did  not 
accord  with  my  spirit.  One  exhibited  a  light- 
ness of  deportment, — and  that  disturbed  me. 
Another  was  affected, — and  that  disturbed  me. 
A  third  was  apparently  indifferent  to  the  inter- 
ests of  religion  altogether,  that  tried  my  patience. 

0  God,  help  us  all  to  overcome  our  weaknesses 
and  infirmities.  While  I  pray  that  the  levity  of 
the  one,  the  affectation  of  another,  and  the 
coldness  of  a  third,  may  be  removed,  let  me 
pray  that  the  peevishness  of  my  own  vile  and 
abominable  heart  may  be  removed  also.'' 

^^November  2d.  During  the  whole  of  this  day 

1  was  thronged  with  business  of  the  most  per- 
plexing nature, — so  much  so  that  I  had  no  time 
to  eat.  Yet  my  passions  were  bound  and  sub. 
dued  by  the  power  of  grace.  God  was  my 
Almighty  Helper,  through  the  day.  My  engage- 
ments continued  nearly  throughout  the  night. 


17^  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

Oh  what  do  I  owe  God  for  so  good  a  religion  ! 
It  is  good  at  all  times,  in  all  places,  for  all  men." 

"  November  3d.  This  day  I  was  so  much 
exhausted  with  my  labours  that  I  nearly  fainted. 
At  night,  business  seemed  a  little  to  intermit,  and 
I  went  to  the  prayer  meeting.  Weak  in  body, 
fainting  in  spirit.  Oh,  my  wants  were  many  ! — - 
yet  my  soul  had  been  happy  through  the  day, 
except  that  the  fountain  of  corruptions  was  stir- 
red, once  or  twice  ;  and  I  was  much  tried  by  it. 
I  joined  in  a  prayer  that  was  offered  for  purify- 
ing grace,  and  for  strength  and  health  ;  and  ac= 
tually  received  all  I  asked  for,  before  I  left  the 
house.  Oh  how  refreshed  even  in  body  I  was ; 
and  in  soul,  how  strengthened !  I  came  home 
prepared  to  endure  my  fatiguing  labours  with 
alacrity.  Glory  to  God  the  Father,  Son  and 
Holy  Ghost,  ever,  world  without  end." 

"  November  4th.  Business  was  such  to  day 
as  almost  to  overcome  my  bodily  strength  :  but  I 
still  found  amidst  all  my  hurry,  an  occasional 
moment  for  spiritual  reflection  and  ejaculatory 
prayer.  I  attended  meeting  at  night,  and  found 
it  good  to  be  there.  My  soul  cries  out  still,  for 
sanctifying  grace,  and  desires  to  be  constantly 
moving  onward  towards  the  prize  of  her  high 
calling.  When  I  hear  my  friends  making  excuses 
for  absenting  themselves  from  social  payer  meet- 
ings, on  the  ground  of  wanting  time,  I  cannot  help 
thinking  that  their  want  of  a  desire  hinders  them 
more  than  a  want  of  time.    Amidst  all  my  busi- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  17^ 

iiess,  as  Attorney  for  the  commonwealth,  during  a 
week  of  quarter  sessions,  I  still  find  time  to 
attend  meeting  almost  every  night.  Oh  the  cold- 
ness, the  backwardness  of  some  professors ! 
And  their  very  excuses  founded  on  such  insuffi- 
cient grounds,  are  sins. — True,  I  sometimes  go 
without  my  dinner,  and  am  sometimes  up  nearly 
all  night;  but  can  I  not  afford  occasionally  to 
exchange  a  trifle  of  perishing  food  for  some- 
thing, to  sustain  the  soul  ?  And  may  1  not  some- 
times omit  to  lay  my  body  on  a  place  of  rest, 
provided  I  can  repose  my  soul  on  Jesus?  Holy 
Father,  I  need  a  fuller  supply  of  thy  grace. 
And  I  beseech  thee  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  to 
give  me  strength  of  body  and  soul  equal  to  all 
my  trials." 

"  November  5th.  I  have  more  than  once 
this  week,  been  perplexed  at  the  dispensation 
of  providence,  in  suffering  the  guilty  to  escape 
detection  and  punishment.  But  I  desire  to  thank 
God  that  he  has  so  far  enlightened,  as  to  enable 
me  to  see,  that  he  ^  ruleth  in  the  army  of  Heaven 
above,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth,' 
and  will '  cause  even  the  wrath  of  men  to  praise 
him ;'  and  that  he  has  made  me  not  only  to  per- 
ceive but  to  acquiesce  in  his  government." 

*'  November  9th.  I  have  passed  another  busy 
day  :  and  have  been  distressed  with  temptations 
to  forsake  the  cause  of  Christ.  These  tempta- 
tions I  invited  by  the  langour  of  my  desires  to 
deave.  to  bis  blessed  interest.    It  was  greater 


i74  MEMOIR    Oi-    BACON. 

than  I  recollect  for  a  long  time  past.  Yet  1 
strive  against  these  suggestions.  At  meeting,  this 
night,  I  obtained  some  relief,  and  was  a  little 
excited.  I  pray  that  the  good  Spirit  of  my  God 
may  not  leave  me  in  a  state  of  hopeless  deso- 
lation.  Oh  may  he  ever  keep  a  reclaiming  hold 
on  my  wandering  heart !  '  Heal  my  backslid- 
iugs'  and  draw  me  onward — save  me  from  these 
temptations,  and  excite  me  to  new  diligence  in 
the  cause  of  Christ." 

*•' November  llth.  I  left  York  for  Getty s- 
biu'i^,  indisposed  in  body,  and  cold  in  spirit. 
God  has  now  restored  the  first,  and  warmed  the 
latter  into  life.  My  whole  journey  seemed  to  be 
over-ruled  by  his  good  providence.  But  1  was 
unfaithful  in  all  my  duties,  and  want  boldness 
in  the  cause  of  Christ.*" 

"  November  lath.  Shame,  shame,  is  my 
part !  I  suffered  myself  to  slumber  a  few  mi^ 
notes,  under  both  the  sermons  which  I  attended 
to  day;  owing  to  my  fatigue  in  the  Sunday 
school.  But  it  is  a  wicked — a  very  vile  thing  to 
sleep  in  church.  God  grant  me  grace  to  act  a 
better  part  hereafter ;  and  forgive  me  the  past." 

"  November  17th.  I  have  made  very  little 
or  no  perceptible  progress  this  day  in  the  divine 
life.  The  Lord  has  enabled  me  to  resist  one  or 
two  temptations ;  but  Oh  !  I  am  most  fruitless, 
and  faithless  ! — I  called  to  see  poor  *  *  *  *  *. 
He  appears  to  be  gaining  strength,  and  1  fear 
5iis  soul  grows  worse,  as  his  body  gets  better. 


MEMOIR    OF    aACON.  175 

Thus  it  is.  The  near  approach  of  deatli  will 
make  the  most  careless,  inquisitive,  often,  about 
their  salvation.  But  their  feelings  on  the  return 
of  health,  proclaim  that  they  can  live  without  a 
Saviour. — My  faith  h  perhaps,  less  depressed 
to  day  than  yesterday.  But  all  will  not  do  ;  I 
must  have  more  religion." 

<^  November  Slst.  God  of  love,  grant  me 
grace  to  detect  and  expose  the  arts  of  Satan, 
and  of  my  own  wicked  heart ;  and  to  overcome 
them  all  through  tlie  blood  and  merits,  and  in 
the  name,  of  Jesus  Christ.  I  find  lately  the 
greatest  reluctance  to  studying  the  Bible,  and 
to  private  devotion.  How  often  has  Satan  pre- 
vented me  from  reading  the  Bible  at  night !  It 
is  suggested,  that  ^  it  is  late  ;'  ^  your  health  will 
sufler  ;'  ^  another  time  will  do  :" — and  the  same 
of  private  prayer.  I  do  not  neglect  it  altogether, 
but  am  so  dead  and  lifeless  in  it  that  I  hardly 
know  what  to  say. — May  God  help  me  for  the 
Saviour's  sake.     Amen." 

"  December  i  si.  My  business  was  to  day 
of  a  trying  nature;  but  through  grace  1  was 
carried  throngh  it  without  difficulty.  My  God 
assisted  me.     My  haughty  spirit  was  kept  low." 

^^  December  2d.  On  carefully  reviewing  the 
two  last  days,  I  discover  much  unfaithfulness. 
The  Lord  grant  me  a  watchful, as  well  as  pray- 
ing spirit." 

"December  4th.  I  this  evening  was  assailcdl 
with  another  powerful  temptation  to  return  to 


176  MEMOIR    OF    liACON. 

the  world.  But  God  gave  me  grace  to  resolve 
never  to  do  it.  Lord,  preserve  me  faithful  to 
the  end. — I  am  cold  in  my  devotions.  Oh 
that  I  might  draw  nearer  to  God  in  heart  and 
in  life!" 

"  December  7th,  At  social  worship,  I  did 
not  find  the  Saviour  precious  to  my  soul.  Yet 
I  endeavoured  to  exhort  others  to  be  faithful, 
and  sinners  to  repent. — The  prevailing  state  of 
my  mind  is  this :  I  desire  to  become  holy,  but 
do  not  strive  for  it  as  I  ought.  I  desire  to  be 
more  earnest  and  faithful  in  my  private  devo- 
tions, but  I  do  not  faithfully  employ  the  means 
to  obtain  my  end  ;  I  do  not  read  my  B  ble  enough. 
This  is  certain.  May  God  help  me  to  worship 
him  better  in  private  ;  to  strive  successfully  for 
holiness,  and  to  read  his  holy  word  with  more 
fidelity." 

*^  Decembier  9th.  Alas  !  My  spiritual  wants 
are  numberless ;  and  I  am  almost  entirely  des- 
titute of  faith  in  asking  for  their  relief.  I  thank 
God  that  I  can  recollect  his  past  goodness  to  me, 
when  in  a  similar  state  of  desolation  and  bar- 
renness. He  caused  me  to  pray  earaestly  for  a  , 
revival  of  his  work  ;  and  heard  me.  My  bonds 
were  broken  asunder,  and  my  soul  rejoiced  in 
its  recovered  liberty.  Through  the  whole  of 
this  day,  the  last  spark  of  grace  seemed  to  be 
expiring  in  my  soul.  Oh  that  God  would  raise 
it  to  a  flame ! — I  had  some  sensible  aid  in  our 
meeting  this  evening.    Come,  Holy  Ghost ;  come 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  477 

quickly ;  come  and  give  ray  spirit  rest — not  from 
labour,  but  from  sin.'' 

"December  lltli.  How  difficult  I  find  it  to 
keep  my  mind  staid  on  Jesus  Christ !  This  day 
I  have  suffered  much  from  wandering  thoughts, 
and  wandering  desires.  O  God,  found  and  fix 
my  wayward  soul  on  the  '  Rock  Christ  Jesus.' — • 
My  brother  *****  is  with  me.  It  appears 
that  I  was  the  instrument  of  his  conversion. 
But  he  is  certainly  nearer  his  God  than  I  am. 
He  is  more  humble,  fervent,  and  faithful.  How 
great  a  change  has  God  wrought  in  him  !  How 
much  has  he  done  for  us  both  !" 

"December  28th.  The  court  commenced. 
Business  was  urgent ;  but  1  have  great  reason 
to  thank  God  for  the  aid  he  has  afforded  me  in 
the  labours  of  the  day.  Our  meeting  at  night 
was  a  refreshing  one." 

"January  1st.  1819.  God  grant  that  the  year 
which  begins  to  day,  may  advance  me  to  many 
new  degrees  of  grace  and  holiness.  I  must 
accuse  myself  of  great  coldness  :  but  my  de- 
sires are  for  more  warmth  of  affection.  Oh  for 
grace  to  proceed  '  from  strength  to  strength, 
until  I  appear  at  last  in  Zion,  before  God  !'— 
Especially  I  ask  for  grace  and^strength,  to  pass 
safely  through  the  labours  and  troubles  of  the 
ensuing  week." 

"  January  4th.     This  day  the  quarter  ses- 
sions commenced  :  it  has  proved  to  me  a  sore 
and  tiresome  one  indeed ;  but  God,  in  manifest 
S3 


178  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

answer  to  prayer,  gave  me  a  sufficient  supply  of 
bodily  and  spiritual  health." 

"January  7th.  I  know  I  deserve  the  wrath 
of  God,  for  the  coldness  of  my  heart,  and  the 
irritability  of  my  disposition.  It  is  my  grief, 
that  I  am  so  unlike  Christ.  How  long,  Lord, 
how  long  shall  my  unfruitfulness,  and  propensity 
to  sin,  continue  V 

"  January  8th.  Still  I  live  without  produc- 
ing fruit  to  the  glory  of  God.  I  have  this  day 
remained  at  a  distance  from  him,  and  what  is 
still  worse,  have  at  times  felt  less  disposition  to 
return  to  him  than  usual. — I  find  the  arrange- 
ments of  my  business  have  involved  me  in  con- 
nexions w  hich  are  likely  to  prove  a  sad  snare  to 
me.  I  doubt  much  whether  I  did  right  in  form- 
ing them.'^ 

^^  January  Hth.  Business  is  still  urgent. — 
My  faults  are,  a  neglect  of  watchfulness,  and  of 
ray  Bible, — coldness  in  my  private  devotions, — 
and  indulging  too  long,  in  sleep,  in  the  morn- 
ing. Against  these  evils,  let  me  watch  and 
pray  with  double  diligence." 

"  January  12th.  My  soul  is  like  the  w  intry 
heath.  How  guilty  a  wretch  I  am  !  How  prone 
by  nature,  and  how  bound  by  habit,  to  sin  !  Bit- 
terly do  I  regret  that  I  deferred  the  work  of  re- 
ligion in  youth,  to  this  period  of  my  life  !  But, 
in  vain.  A  life  of  sin  and  guilt  is  so  ftir  passed : 
and  the  best  I  can  now  hope,  is  to  offer  to 
God  the  remnants  of  my  life,  health,  and  facul 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  17fit 

ties,  so  long  misapplied.     O  God,  forgive  thy 
servant,  for  his  Saviour's  sake." 

"January  SOth.  Found  an  opportunity  to 
give  explanations,  and  attempt  to  conciliate  the 
favour  of  some  of  my  *****  brethren  whose  af- 
fections have  been  much  alienated  from  me  in  con- 
sequence of  the  misconstruction  put  on  some  of 
my  expressions  and  conduct.  Through  God's 
blessing,  I  partially  succeeded.  The  most  effec- 
tual means  I  employed  were  the  christian's  ar 
guments, — tears  and  entreaties." 

"January  29tb.  I  am  mercifully  spared, 
again  to  record  the  mercies  of  God,  and  my  un- 
worthy use  of  them,  another  day.  I  obtained 
some  relief  from  a  burden  which  I  have  too  long 
carried,  in  being  able  to  weep  for  my  sins,  and 
those  of  a  corrupt  world, — I  was  yesterday,  and 
the  day  before,  shorn  of  my  strength,  almost  ira- 
perceptibly.  My  soul  is  again  toiling  to  reach 
the  heights  of  Pisgah.  Oh  for  a  vieyv  of  my 
promised  inheritance!" 

"  February  Sd.  This  day  I  had  business 
to  transact,  in  which  I  found  the  evident  help 
and  presence  of  God.  Our  devotions  in  the 
meeting  for  prayer,  were  cold  and  inanimate. 
We  are  all  ^filled  with  our  own  ways!'  The 
Lord  have  mercy  on  us,  and  save  us  from  ^  hard- 
ness of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  word  and 
commandment.' " 

"  February  11th.  We  are  altogether  a  cold 
and  icy  people.    We  want  a  fresh  effusion  of 


180  MEMOIR    OF   BACOX. 

the  Holy  Spirit.  Many  of  my  bretliren  mani- 
fest surprising  indifference.  I  am  indeed  sorely 
disquieted  for  them.  O  Lord,  send  them  thy 
salvation!" 

^^  Marcli  30th.  For  some  time  past,  I  have 
suffered  my  business  too  much  to  hariass  and 
distract  my  mind.  I  find  it  sometimes,  not  only 
unpleasant,  but  disgusting.  But  this  is  owing 
to  the  wrong  slate  of  my  heart :  and  at  seasons, 
I  have  been  able  to  overcome  it.  It  w  as  not  the 
fault  of  religion,  but  my  want  of  more;  and  ne^ 
glecting  to  exercise  proper  watchfulness.'' — 
^'  My  very  profession  is  a  snare  to  me.  The 
instrument  with  w  liich  I  exercise  it,  is  the  mind, — 
the  very  faculty  in  which  my  religion  itself  has 
its  seat.  Often,  when  my  affections  have  been 
kindled  to  a  holy  fervour,  and  my  heart  filled 
with  divine  love,  have  I  applied  my  mind  to  the 
investigation  of  legal  principles,  'till  it  has  be- 
come entangled  in  the  mazes  and  subtleties  of 
the  law,  and  I  have  found  myself  proportiona- 
bly  dead  to  spiritual  things,  and  the  cause  of 
Christ.  In  this,  nearly  every  other  profession 
has  the  advantage  of  my  own.  Nothing  con- 
vinces me  more  perfectly  of  the  truth  of  the 
christian  religion,  as  revealed  in  the  Bible,  than 
the  utter  contrast  formed  by  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
as  exhibited  in  his  followers,  and  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  as  manifested  in  the  carnal  mind. 
The  difference  is  as  apparent  as  that  between 
light  and  darkness.    They  are  perfect  incompat- 


MEMOIR    OF    BA.CON.  18t 

ibles  :  the  prevalence  of  either,  entirely  excludes 
the  other."* 

"July  18th.  During  the  whole  of  the  last 
month  I  was  quite  too  cold,  and  distant  from 
God.  "  My  mind  was  so  occupied  with  the 
changes  in  my  circumstances,  and  so  wounded 
by  ill  treatment  from  an  unexpected  quarter, 
that  I  found  it  required  a  greater  eifort  than  I 
was  careful  to  make,  to  concentrate  it  on  God. 
There  is,  however,  no  excuse  for  unfaithfulness: 
nor  (\o  I  in  the  least  justify  myself  for  thus  wan- 
dering from  a  God  of  infinite  ability  to  protect 
me  from  all  temptations.  I  bless  God  that  he 
has  reclaimed  me." 

"  August  6th.  For  the  last  ten  days,  I  have 
been  much  tried  ;  and  several  times  lost  my  re. 
lianceonGod.  He  nevertheless  appeared, — and 
somewhat  remarkably,  for  my  deliverance.  Once 
I  found  myself  evidently  under  his  displeasure ; 
but  his  promises  restored  peace  and  joy  to  my 
mind.  How  have  my  obligations  to  him  accu- 
mulated !" 

^^  August  20th.  I  do  earnestly  pray  for  a  will 
more  resigned  to  the  dispensations  of  my  heaven- 
ly Father.  My  besetting  sin  is  a  captious  and 
complaining  temper — the  very  opposite  of  chris- 

*  An  inspired  Apostle  referred  to  this  evidence  as  to  a 
well  known  and  obvious  fact,  in  the  inquiries,  "  What  fel- 
lowship hath  righteousness  with  unrighteousness  ?  And  what 
communion  hath  light  with  darkness  ?  And  what  concord 
hath  Christ  with  Belial  ?" 


182  MEMOIR   OF   BACON, 

tian  meekness,  and  patience.     Oh  for  grace  to 
overcome  it ;  and  to  do  all  the  will  of  God  !" 

Besides  the  burden  of  indwelling  sin,  and 
the  temptations  growing  out  of  his  connexions 
with  an  ensnaring  world,  and  the  nameless 
*  crafts  and  assaults  of  the  Devil,' — from  neither 
of  Viiiich,  was  he  at  any  time  many  hours  exempt, 
Mr.  Bacon  was  obliged  during  ihe  same  period, 
to  struggle  incessantly  against  many  bodily  in- 
firraities.  His  complaints  were  complicated,  and 
of  such  a  nature  as  to  excite  his  nervous  system 
to  a  constant  state  of  diseased  action.  When 
this  fact  is  considered,  in  connexion  with  the 
other  circumstances  which  have  been  adverted 
to,  it  will  be  a  cause  of  admiration,  that  he  was 
enabled  to  preserve  so  good  a  degree  of  equa- 
jiimily.  In  the  whole  of  the  period  embraced 
by  the  foregoing  extracts  from  liis  journal,  we 
perceive  little  or  nothing  of  that  dull  and  listless 
depression  of  spirits,  under  which  he  formerly  la. 
boured.  This  infirmity  resulted,  perhaps,  chiefly 
from  unsound  health  :  but  a  sickly  mind  in  his 
case,  as  in  most  others,  co-operated  with  a  disor- 
dered body :  and,  both  the  principles  and  the  spi- 
rit of  the  gospel  concur  to  disallow  it.  And  this 
holy  religion  was,  through  the  grace  of  God,  suffi- 
ciently operative  in  Mr.  Bacon's  heart,  to  pre- 
vent a  recurrence  of  so  painful  a  condition  of  the 
mind.  Even  the  infirmities  of  believers  are 
sanctified  to  their  good  :  and  this  blessed  eifect  we 
are  sometimes  permitted  to  see,  without  taking 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  183 

into  view  the  retributions  of  a  future  world, 
Mr  Bacon  found  occasion  to  say,  when  exhaus- 
ted with  fatigue  and  much  indisposed,  *'^»'iiy  ill- 
ness has  not  been  without  its  use  to  me.  It 
brought  me  back  to  a  sense  of  absolute  depen- 
dence on  my  God,  and  a  closer  union  with  my 
Saviour — and  thus  has  been  the  means  of  re- 
storing me  to  my  religion,  from  which  I  had 
wandered,  during  the  preceding  week.  The 
words  of  my  Lord,  *  Fear  not ;  it  is  I ;'  and,  I '  am 
the  living  bread ;'  gave  me  unspeakable  com- 
fort." "Returning  from  Lewisburg,''  he  after- 
wards mentions,"  my  health  sustained  a  severe 
injury.  I  was  indisposed  through  the  day.  But 
my  soul  obtained  a  blessing.  My  God  seems  to 
cherish  and  uphold  me." 

The  unsettled  state  of  his  health,  and  a 
habitual  affection  of  the  system,  tending  to 
epileptic  spasms,  obliged  him  to  be  constantly 
apprehensive  of  a  speedy  dismission  from  the 
world.  Without  in  the  least  abridging  his  plans 
of  usefulness,  this  circumstance  was  made  the 
means  of  invigorating  his  zeal,  and  hastening  his 
progress  through  every  labour,  and  every  stage 
of  preparation  for  the  dread  event.  Present  duty 
was  always  the  object  which  filled  his  mind,  and 
engrossed  his  time.  Future  labours,  and  future 
ti'ials,  and  the  time,  manner,  and  other  circum- 
stances of  his  death.,  were  committed  with  entire 
confidence,  to  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  his  hea- 
venly Father.    "On  comparing  the  present  state 


181:  MEMOIU    UI'     liACOxV, 

of  my  health  with  that  which  I  have  [xisscs&ed 
for  several  years  past,"  he  writes  in  the  spring  of 
1819,  "  I  find  it  has  undergone  a  great  change  for 
the  worse.  I  am  now  labouring  oinder  a  severe 
cough,  which,  should  it  increase,  I  think  must 
soon  carry  me  oif.  I  am  willing  to  die ;  but  it 
is  my  duty  to  be  willing  likewise  to  live,  as  long 
as  I  can  do  good.''— On  another  occasion : 
*^  The  death  of  *****  *  which  I  witnessed, 
has  had  a  happy  eflect  in  tranquillising  my 
mind,  and  engaging  it  in  the  contemplation  of 
my  own  dissolution.  I  would  look  beyond  the 
grave  for  the  consummation  of  my  hopes." — 
*^  Only  let  me  be  found '  doing  my  Lord's  will,' 
and  what  is  the  differen^ce,  whether  a  fit  of  the 
apoplexy  or  a  lingering  consumption,  be  commis- 
sioned to  take  me  home?"  ^'  Holy  Father,"  he 
prays  on  another  occasion  of  reflection  on  the 
precarious  state  of  his  health,  "  prepare  me  for 
death.  When  I  rise  in  the  morning,  let  me  go 
about  the  duties  of  the  day  as  if  to  prepare  to 
die  at  night.  Thus  shall  ^  I  be  found  watch- 
ing.'— My  health  evidently  fails ;  and  I  often 
wish  to  die :  but  perhaps  I  am  wrong." 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  185 


CHAP.  VII. 


It  is  proper  to  exhibit,  a  little  more  at  large, 
llie  exalted  object  to  which  the  strongest  aspira- 
tious  of  Mr.  Bacon's  soul  were  directed.  His 
was  a  mark  no  less  elevated  than  the  perfection 
of  that  holiness,  of  which  he  had  been  already- 
made,  in  a  certain  degree,  the  partaker.  He  had 
been  entirely  captivated  with  the  discovery  of 
his  Saviour's  image,  which  had  been  made  to  the 
eye  of  his  faith  ;  and  his  spirit  never  found  entire 
repose  until  it  was  changed  from  one  degree  of 
resemblance  to  a  still  higher, — and  eventually  so 
sanctified  throughout,  as  to  reflect  from  every 
part,  his  unclouded  glory.  What  were  his  ex- 
pectations as  to  the  degree  of  holiness  attainable 
in  the  present  life,  does  not  clearly  appear.  But 
he  knew  that  believers  were  permitted  and  re- 
quired to  aim  at  perfect  purity  :  nothing  less  could 
bound  his  expansive  desires,  or  satiate  the  per- 
petual thirst  of  his  soul :  and  whether  the  point 
was  to  be  attained  in  life,  or  at  death,  or  beyond, 
was  not  so  much  an  object  of  his  inquiry,  as,  by 
what  means  he  should  reach  it.  "Jesus,"  he 
states  in  his  journal,  ^'  is  sweet  and  precious  to 
my  soul.  I  feel  determined,  through  grace,  to  go 
on  in  a  life  of  godliness,  taking  Jesus  for  my  all. 
1  will,  with  joy,  sacrifice  every  thing  that  will 
not  help  me  on  to  Jesus.  Placing  him  before  me^ 
S4' 


ii56  MEMOIR    OF    BACOX. 

and  pressing  on  to  the  mark  of  his  perfection, 
1  will  dismiss  every  impeding  care, — will  ^  lay 
aside  every  Aveight  and  the  sin  which  most 
easily  besets  me,'  and  still  go  onward  to  .Tesns. 
God  Almighty  help  me,  Jesns  help  me,  Holy 
Spirit  help  me,  to  keep  this  resolution."  "  Ho- 
liness of  heart  and  life,"  he  repeats,  "  is  what  I 
w  ant,  and  must  have  :  God  for  Christ's  sake,  will 
I  believe,  bestow  it,  if  I  strive  with  persevering 
earnestness  for  it."  Subsequently  :  "  Our  meet- 
ing was  thinly  attended  this  evening, — but  it 
was  a  refreshing  season.  I  desire  to  live  nearer, 
and  still  nearer  to  God.  I  want  more  faith,  more 
love  to  God,  more  of  the  entire  spirit  of  my  blessed 
Saviour.  Oh  for  more  spiritual  energy, — to  be 
^  strengthened  with  all  might  in  the  inner  man  !'  '* 
Still  later  :  "Dr.  *  *  ***preached,  to-day,  on 
^Holiness  of  heart. '  The  discourse  came  home  to 
my  conscience,  forcibly.  My  mind  is  greatly  ex- 
ercised for  ^holiness  of  heart.'  It  is  the  sub- 
ject of  my  constant  prayer.  Oh  that  God  would 
hear  me ! — ^  I  will  sprinkle  clean  water  upon  you, 
and  you  shall  be  clean  ;  from  all  your  filthiness 
and  your  idols  will  I  cleanse  you,'  is  a  promise 
that  habitually  dwells  in  my  thoughts.  Give  me, 
Lord,  a  clean  heart,  and  cleanse  me  from  all  my 
idols.  Oh  affix  the  seal  of  Heaven  to  my  soul  ! 
I  cannot  be  satisfied  without  thee — thee,  for  my 
only  portion."  In  reviewing  his  progress  for  a 
few  days,  he  states  on  another  occasion,  "  I  am 
very  unfaithful,  yet  my  only  prevailing  desire 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  187 

is,  holiness  of  heart.  Oh  I  need  it ;  I  desire  it ; 
I  pray  for  it ;  1  must  have  it  !  Wliile  I  live,  1 
will  live  for  it.  Nothing  will  ever  satisfy  me 
but  perfect  holiness.'^ 

Blessed  Spirit !  Thy  prayer  is  heard  ;  too 
soon  for  us,  thy  largest  desires  are  fuliilled,  in 
the  kingdom  of  God  !  Drinking  at  the  Fountain- 
head  of  holiness,  thou  canst  thirst  no  more  ! 

But  the  Saviour's  benediction  and  promise^, 
'blessed  are  they  that  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness,  for  they  shall  be  filled/  have  their 
partial  accomplishment,  in  the  present  world. 
To  very  few  could  the  qualification  on  which 
this  promise  depends,  be  appropriated  with  more 
manifest  propriety,  than  to  Mr.  Bacon.  The 
command  of  the  Saviour,  *  ask  that  your  joy  may 
be  full,'  was,  likewise,  through  grace,  in  a  good^ 
degree  obeyed  by  him.  He  was  incessant  in 
his  petitions  for  this  very  blessing.  Why  is  it, 
that  the  doctrine  of  the  divine  influence  on  the 
minds  of  the  saints,  has  fallen,  in  this  age,  if  not 
into  partial  discredit,  yet  into  so  low  and  re- 
stricted a  practical  use,  among  those  who  are 
most  interested  in  it?  The  orthodox  cannot, 
indeed,  disbelieve  the  promises  which  relate  to 
so  great  a  blessing ; — the  doctrine  is  retained  in 
all  our  formularies  of  faith ;  but  why  is  it  not 
more  valued  ?  Why  are  the  blessings  which  it 
implies,  so  remissly  sought, — and  so  little  ex- 
pected ?  Next  to  the  truth,  that  our  redemption 
has  been  eflPected  by  the  blood  of  the  Son  of 


188  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

God,  none  more  deeply  concerns  our  blind  and 
corrupted  race,  than  that  of  the  purchase  and 
mission  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  purify  our  hearts, 
bring  down  a  foretaste  of  Heaven  into  our  souls, 
and  enlighten  our  understandings  to  comprehend 
the  divii.e  mysteries  of  the  gospel.  No  promises 
are  more  iateiligible  and  express,  than  those 
which  relate  to  this  inestimable  privilege  of  be- 
lievers. The  ^1 'vctrine  has  indeed,  been  fearfully 
corrupted,  and  abused.  The  enemies  of  the  gos- 
pel could  not  have  taken  a  measure  of  more  fa- 
tal efficacy,  for  dimming  its  lustre,  and  curtail- 
ing its  influence.  This  very  consideration,  in- 
stead of  sinking  its  estimation  in  the  minds  of 
christians,  and  enfeebling  the  efforts  of  their 
faith  in  securing  its  benefits,  should  the  more 
endear  it  to  their  hearts,  and  engage  them  in 
asserting  its  full  influence  in  the  economy  of 
grace.  Had  every  professing  christian  afford- 
ed in  bis  own  example,  the  same  practical 
illustration  of  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  ope- 
rations of  the  Spirit  on  the  heart,  as  the  subject 
of  this  memoir,  not  only  would  its  opposers 
be  silenced,  but  so  illustrious  a  feature  of  our 
holy  religion  would  impart  to  the  whole  sys- 
tern,  in  the  view  of  the  world,  a  glory  Avhich 
it  has  never  exhibited  since  the  age  of  the  apos- 
tles. The  narrative  of  this  part  of  his  christian 
experience  forms  a  necessary  supplement  to  the 
foregoing;  without  which  the  whole  would  be 
less  scriptural,  and  manifestly  imperfect.     'Wis- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  189 

dom's  ways  are'  evinced  by  it  to  be  ^  ways  of 
pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths'  to  be  those 
of  ^  peace.'  It  displays  in  an  attractive  light,  a 
specimen  of  those  pure  joys  of  the  soul,  pecu- 
liar to  them  who  love  God ;  with  which  ^  no 
stranger  intermeddles  ;'  and  which,  the  rapt  apos- 
tle declares,  ^  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
nor  has  it  entered  into  the  heart'  not  illuminated 
by  the  divine  Spirit,  to  conceive.* 

At  the  close  of  a  well  spent  evening,  he  was 
able  to  write,  "  Thanks  to  the  Lord,  I  have 
again  been  owned  as  his  child,  and  blessed  with 
his  love.  I  repaired  to  the  place  of  our  weekly 
exercise  of  prayer,  in  a  praying  spirit ;  and  no 
sooner  entered,  than  I  felt  tiie  return  of  the 
<  sweet  Messenger  of  rest.'  The  holy  Spirit 
evidently  resumed  his  place  in  my  mind.  It  was 
my  duty  to  lead  the  devotions  of  the  occasion. 
Every  word  came  with  an  unction  of  love  and 
affection.  Grace  ruled,  and  almost  inspired  the 
language  and  expression.  I  could  sing  with 
ineffable  sweetness  and  ease.  O  holy,  lovely, 
adorable  Saviour, '  thou  knowest  all  things,  thou 
knowest  that  I  love  thee  !'  I  had  the  opportunity 
to  speak  a  few  words  for  him  who  was  so  near 
and  so  unspeakably  good,  to  me,  I  trust,  to  inter- 

*  A  slight  attention  to  the  apostle's  argument  in  con- 
nexion with  these  words,  will  discover  them  to  relate  pH«- 
cipalhj,  if  not  wholly,  to  the  spiritual  communications  made 
to  the  Saints,  in  the  present  world.     1.  Cor.  ii.  8,  9,  10. 


iOO  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

ested  hearers,  and  in  faith  that  it  will  not  be  uu- 
productive.'^ 

In  another  entry  in  his  journal,  he  "  desires 
to  thank  God  that  he  has  warmed  his  heart  with 
liis  love,  and  that  he  has  not  to  complain  of  spi- 
ritual lethargy  to  the  same  degree  as  formerly. 
He  lived  during  the  whole  of  the  day  in  a  region 
of  etherial  sunshine — so  calm,  so  placid,  so 
deeply  peaceful  to  the  mind,"  as  to  draw  fortii 
i\m  exclamation,  *  Oh  this  religion  of  Christ,  'tis 
a  glorious  work  !  What  joys  to  be  compared  to 
those  of  his  love  !'' — "  How  true  is  it,''  he  re*^ 
anarks  in  the  fruition  of  these  same  gracious 
communications,  "  how  true  is  it,  that  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Holy  Spirit  Mead  us  into  all  truth  !' 
1  have  this  evening  had  a  view  of  things  which 
could  only  be  revealed  by  the  Spirit.  With 
what  a  power  of  vigilance  and  discernment 
docs  the  Spirit  dwelling  within  the  followers 
of  Christ,  arm  the  soul !  How  quick  is  it  to  dis- 
cover the  workings  of  sin,  both  in  ourselves,  and 
in  our  brethren !  O  ])eloved  Saviour,  O  blessed 
Ood,  I  desire  all  thy  communicable  fulness  !" 
In  the  Autumn  of  1818,  he  states,  "  The 
reading  of  Davies's  sermon  on  the  resurrection, 
caused  me  to  tremble,  and  cry  for  mercy  to  be 
shown  me  on  that  da}'.  But  praised  be  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  on  close  examination,  I  find 
myself  in  a  state  of  reconciliation  to  God, — and 
am  overwhelmed  with  a  sense  of  his  goodness 
ill   receiving  such  a  wretch.     ^Oh    how   great 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  191 

is  his  goodness  !  '  "' — A  few  weeks  later  he 
wpifes;  ^^  In  conversation  and  prayer  with  & 
christian  brother,  I  enjoyed  a  great  freedom  of 
access,  and  nearness  of  communion  with  my 
God.  He  hears  with  my  intlrmities,  and  ^  heals 
my  backslidings,'  for  his  Son's  sake.  For  some 
time  past,  I  have  been  kept  under  the  shadow  of 
the  Almighty,  and  in  Christ  Jesus,  my  soul  ex- 
claims, ^  DO  condemnalion — no  condemnation  !'  '* 
In  January  following,  he  had  occasion  to  note 
in  his  journal,  "  I  this  day  was  drawn  still 
nearer  to  the  source  of  holiness  and  love.  Never 
have  I  realised  in  so  short  a  time,  so  much  of 
salvation.  At  an  interview  with  a  very  few  of 
my  dear  brethren  this  evening,  I  spent  an  hour 
of  glory — and  enjoyed  a  feast  of  marrow  and 
fatness.  For  several  days  past,  my  joys  have 
occasionally,  been  all  unutterable." — In  Febru- 
ary, he  thus  describes  the  happy  state  of  his 
feelings  :  ^^I  spent  the  evening  in  social  prayer 
and  praise,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  rested 
upon  me ;  his  holy  Spirit  filled  me.  The  words 
*  I  have  made  you,  and  I  will  bear,  even  I  will 
carry  you,  and  I  will  deliver  you,'  were  delight- 
fully applied  to  me.  Joy,  abundant  joy,  was  the 
sensation  which  prevailed  in  my  mind  above  all 
others.  My  ^  peace  was  as  a  river^,  and  my 
righteousness  as  an  overflowing  stream.'  I  can- 
not doubt,  I  do  not  doubt,  but  God  has  begun  to 
purify  my  sonl.     I  love  holiness ;  and  God  grant 


19S  MEMUili    Ol'    liACOX. 

I  may  ever  make  holiaess  my  only  hope  in  Cjlirist 
Jesus." 

•Ill  the  last  ol'  March,  1819,  Mr.  Bacon  re=. 
views  his  religious  experience  from  that  date  up 
to  the  5th  of  the  same  month,  and  with  his  cus- 
tomary sincerity  states,  that  '^  for  the  greatest 
part  of  the  time,  I  have  heen  kept  in  a  happy 
state  of  mind,  have  had  very  few  trials  of  my 
religion,  and  been  wonderfully  the  subject  of 
divine  grace.'" 

Mr.  Bacon- s  very  theory  in  religion,  may  be 
properly  termed,  practical.  He  could  conceive 
of  nothing  that  deserved  the  name  which  did  not 
comprehend  love  to  God,  faith  in  the  Saviour, 
and  charity  to  men, — each  manifesting  itself  in 
its  appropriate  fruits.  Hence,  the  barriers  which 
some  others  choose  to  throw  around  themselves, 
and  the  members  of  their  own  particular  religious 
sect,  and  which  are  sustained  chiefly  by  certain 
verbal  definitions  of  subordinate  points  of  faith, 
were  to  him  unknown  ;  and  unless  interposed 
by  the  bigotry  of  others,  in  a  manner  that  oblig- 
ed them  to  be  felt,  were  wholly  disregarded. 
Between  those  who  know  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus  Christ,  by  the  revelation  of  the  Spirit, — 
whose  names  are  written  in  Heaven, — and  who 
have  enteicd  into  an  everlasting  covenant  with 
God  and  his  people  :  and  the  servants  of  sin  and 
heirs  of  death  eleinul.  he  saw  an  infinite  difler- 
euce.  On  this,  he  ever  insisted.  Professing 
christians  of  all  names,  were  subjected  to  the  teat 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  193 

of  a  comparison  of  their  characters  and  lives, 
with  the  plainest  marks  of  discrimination  alleged 
in  the  scriptures  between  these  diflerent  classes. 
A  unity  of  faith  in  true  believers,  he  knew  there 
must  be  :  and  he  was  often,  liappily  able  to  de- 
tect this  essential  unity,  by  a  comparison  of  the 
temper  and  character ;  where  others,  insisting 
on  an  identity  of  phraseology  in  the  definitions 
of  their  faith,  would  discover  nothing  but  dis- 
cord ;  and  exclude  from  their  fellowship  those 
whom  Christ  had  received.  But,  with  this  safe 
and  scriptural  Catholicism,  few  have  exercised 
more  discrimination  in  a  practical  application  of 
the  true  principles  of  estimating  the  claims  of 
professors,  to  the  character  of  real  christians. 
There  were  in  his  view,  not  only  many  doctrines 
to  which  such  must  assent ;  but  a  deep,  lasting 
and  visible  change,  to  be  wrought  by  them,  in 
their  hearts  and  lives.  Those,  and  those  only, 
could  he  embrace  as  his  brethren  in  Christ, 
whose  orthodoxy  was  a  living  and  operative 
principle  of  faith,  productive  of  good  works. 
On  all  these,  whatever  names  they  bore  among 
men,  he  saw  inscribed  by  the  finger  of  God,  in 
the  most  legible  characters,  the  new  name  by 
which  their  birth-right  is  ascertained  on  earth, 
and  their  inheritance  will  be  awarded  in  Heaven. 
On  a  certain  occasion,  he  writes,  ''  I  have  lately 
had  my  spirit  grieved  by  hearing  certain  indivi- 
duals venting  their  slanderous  and  pitiful  spleen 
against  ray  Methodist  brethren.  Alas !  What 
3.'> 


194  MEMOIR    OF    BACON.' 

a  want  of  grace  do  tliey  shew  !  I  thank  God,  he 
has  made  mc  love  all  his  children,  whatever 
name  tliey  may  bear."  On  another  occasion, 
writing  to  a  christian  friend,  he  says,  "I  feel 
bound  to  praise  God  that  he  has  not  permitted 
ine  to  become  a  bigot  to  a  sect  of  the  christian 
church.  It  is  the  Bible  and  its  author ;  it  is 
Christ,  and  him  crucified ;  it  is  salvation  by 
faith  ;  these  are  the  grand  and  wonderful  themes 
that  are  to  exercise  our  minds  and  animate  our 
souls,  and  move  us  to  action.  I  am  of  Paul;  and  I 
of  Apollos  ;  and  I  of  Cephas !  division  and 
party ! — This  is  the  great  error  of  christians. 
Let  us  have  done  with  it.  We  must  all  be  of 
Christ,  and  blessed  be  our  God  that  we  are  get- 
ting to  see  eye  to  eye." 

Of  the  strength  of  his  habitual  affection  for 
his  christian  brethren,  the  following  passages 
from  his  journal  will  furnish  a  remarkable  proof  : 
when  it  is  considered  that  the  individual  to 
whom  they  relate  lielonged  to  a  communion  be- 
tween which  and  his  own,  the  visible  difference 
was  very  strongly  marked.  "I  spent  the  even- 
ins;  with  brother  *****.  I  love  him  as  a  dear 
brother.  His  voice,  ever  since  I  first  heard  it  in 
prayer,  has  been  music  in  my  ear."  Soon  after- 
wards :  "  Brother  *****  is  now  with  rae. 
His  society  has  always  proved  beneficial  to  me. 
I  am  strengthened  by  his  counsel,  and  stirred  up 
by  his  example.  I  trust  our  mutual  prayers  may 
draw  down  upon  us  a  mutual  blessing.    I  am 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  195 

singularly  attached  to  him.  I  cannot  say,  tliat 
I  love  any  earthly  object  more  than  him,  except 
my  son, — and  I  am  not  sure  even  of  that.  He 
appears  to  be  the  most  faithful  christian  that  I 
ever  met  with.  An  unction  from  the  holy  One 
rests  abundantly  upon  him.  I  shall  soon  part 
with  him.  God  grant  we  may  meet  above, 
where  parting  scenes  are  '  felt  and  feared  no 
more.' " 

In  the  following  incident  which  Mr.  Bacon 
casually  records  in  his  journal,  for  November, 
1818,  more  than  one  trait  of  his  greatly  altered 
character  will  be  illustrated  ;  and  at  the  same 
time  a  species  of  injurious  treatment,  of  the  most 
cruel  description,  be  exposed,  which  can  afford 
no  gratification  except  to  minds  that  are  near- 
ly lost  to  the  feelings  of  common  humanity. 
To  take  advantage  of  the  known  principles  of  an 
humble  christian,  who  is  deterred  by  the  fear  of 
his  God,  and  prevented  by  his  love  to  men,  not 
only  from  inflicting  an  injury,  but  even  from 
wishing  to  retaliate  it  upon  his  persecutor,  to 
wrong  and  wound  him,  certainly  evinces  a  com- 
pound of  moral  depravity,  and  unmanly  self- de- 
basement, which,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  does  not  of- 
ten meet  in  the  same  human  breast. 

"In  the  business  of  the  day  I  experienced  sev- 
eral trials  of  patience  : — one  was  of  a  severe  de- 
scription. In  a  cause  in  which  Mr.  *  *  *  *  ^  was 
opposed  to  me,  I  had  occasion  to  cite  '  Peake's 
Evidence/  in  reference  to  unliquidated  dam- 


196  MEMOIR    OF    BA(jOi\% 

ages,  I  contended  that  tbey  could  not  be  an 
oflfset  in  a  case  similar  to  the  one  in  hand.  I 
said,  (and  it  was  the  very  point  on  which  the 
merits  of  the  case  turned)  *This  is  law.  —It  is 
the  law  of  Pennsylvania.'— -Mr  ^  *  *  *  *  saw 
the  bearing  of  the  cited  passage,  and  several 
times  rudely  interrupted  my  remarks  by  declaring, 
"^That  is  only  English  law.'  I  said  'gentlemen, 
this  is  the  law  of  Pennsylvania  :-— this  book  is 
law  in  Pennsylvania :  and  it  is  rather  unfair  in 
you,  Mr.  *  *  *  ^  *  to  misrepresent  it.'  I  pro- 
ceeded, amidst  his  still  more  frequent  interrup- 
tions ;— but  injustice  to  my  client,  was  obliged 
to  insist  that  the  cited  authority  was  laic.  Eight 
or  ten  times  in  succession,  he  declared  I  was  ^  a 
fool.'  1  paid  no  regard  to  his  opprobrious  lan- 
guage; and  he  became  gradually  warmed  to  a 
high  state  of  exasperation,  and  said,  my  asser- 
tions were  *  false.'  I  at  length  replied  that 
*  Mr.  *****  had  lately  been  to  Philadelphia 
to  take  new  lessons  in  politeness,  and  that  he 
was  a  gentleman.'  I  also  told  the  referees,  that 
it  was  *  impudence  in  the  plaintiff's  counsel  to 
deny  that  the  passage  in  question  was  law.' — I 
am  not  conscious  of  having  felt  the  least  emotion 
of  anger  :  but  on  reilection,  I  regret  the  sarcas- 
tic nature  of  my  reply,  and  my  attempt  to  wound 
his  feelings  by  ridicule.  But  he  most  unfairly 
and  untruly  misrepresented  the  law,  and  called 
me  ^  fool'  and  ^  liar'  for  maintaining  it. — The 
time  wasj  when  I  should  have  instantly  seized 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  197 

a  deadly  weapon  on  such  an  occasion;  and  suf- 
fered nothing  but  blood  to  atone  for  the  indigni- 
ty : — 1  acknowledge  it  with  remorse  and  shame. 
But,  thank  God.  I  have  no  disposition  now,  to 
injure  any  man.  Several  gentlemen  of  the  bar, 
have  taken  advantage  of  ray  religion,  more  than 
once,  when  I  fully  believed,  and  do  still  believe^ 
that  I  was  stating  the  truth,  to  call  me  a  '  liar.' 
They  all  know  that  if  1  were  a  sinner  like 
themselves,  or  if  I  were  as  once  I  was,  they 
would  as  soon  have  eaten  coals  of  fire,  as  accus- 
ed me  to  my  face  of  ^  lying.'  But  they  know 
also,  that  my  nature  is  now  changed,  and  that 
my  religion,  and  my  dispositions  forbid  my  re- 
taliating evil  for  evil :  I  thank  God  he  holds  the 
reins  of  my  passions  in  his  own  hand,  and  all 
this  abuse  is  not  suffered  to  make  me  angry. 
I  receive  these  things  as  a  part  of  that  persecu- 
tion with  which  I  have  laid  my  account  as  the 
portion  of  <  all  who  will  live  godly  in  Christ 
Jesus.' " 

About  three  months  after  the  date  of  this 
occurrence,  Mr.  Bacon  attended  the  individual 
to  whom  it  principally  refers,  in  his  dying  mo- 
ments. He  had  visited  him  almost  daily,  ad- 
ministering the  most  affectionate  and  salutary 
counsel  during  the  last  stages  of  his  illness; 
and,  in  putting  down  a  few  reflections  excited  by 
his  death,  observes,  "  We  have  often  differed 
about  our  professional  business;  and  perhaps 
he  sometimes  used  me  ill.    But  as  it  usually 


198  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

happens,  both  parties  were  in  fault.  In  refer- 
ence to  our  last  dispute,"  (that  just  related)  *^  I 
regret  that  I  said  any  thing  in  retaliation  of  the 
injury  he  did  me.  1  heartily  forgive  all  my  ene- 
mies ;  and  pray  Sod  to  forgive  me  for  not  living 
with  Mr.  *  ■*  *  '^'  •-  an  1  all  others,  so  as  to  re- 
commend religion  as  much  in  my  conduct,  as  by 
my  lips." 

It  would  be  difacult  to  assign  a  cause  more 
directly  or  vitally  affecting  the  interests  of  reli- 
gion, than  the  cluiracter  of  its  ministers.  Their 
designation  to  the  cncred  office  has  hence,  in 
every  orthodox  and  tru'^y  evangelical  branch  of 
the  christian  church,  been  submitted  to  the  espe- 
cial providence  of  Him  with  whose  message  they 
are  charged.  No  miiaculous  interposition,  ei- 
ther in  the  designation,  or  the  ministrations  of 
the  christian  pvi^stliood,  is  now  to  be  expected 
by  the  church.  But  its  aivine  Kead  observes 
an  uniform  method,  both  in  delegating,  and  aid- 
ing in  their  work,  the  ministers  of  the  gospel ; 
in  which  the  supernatural  influences  of  his  holy 
Spirit  have  a  direct  and  most  important  concern. 
In  the  appointment  of  ministers,  the  church  in- 
deed, has  an  agency : — and  commonly  a  large 
share  of  the  guilt  incurred  in  the  ordination  of 
improper  persons,  rests  with  her.  Her  duty  is 
not  so  properly  to  select,  as  to  ascertain  by  the 
rules  of  scripture,  whom  Christ  has  selected  for 
this  work ;  and  confer  a  formal  authority  on 
those  whom  He  had  previously  prepared  by  his 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  199 

providence  and   his  grace,  and  ^  moved  by  his 
Spirit/  to  receive  it. 

It  by  no  means  follows,  that  the  authority 
conferred  by  ordination  is  not  essential  to  the 
ministerial  character :  judging  from  scripture 
precedents,  we  are  certainly  led  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  right  oT  ministering  in  the  word 
and  sacraments,  can  in  no  case  have  place  with- 
out the  concurrence  of  ejclesir.stical  ordination, 
with  those  qualifications  \/hich  are  prior  in  their 
order,  and  of  paramount  importance. 

These  are  of  two  classes.  The  first  are 
such  as  all  the  living  members  of  Christ,  whether 
called  to  act  in  a  public,  or  private  capacity, 
possess  in  common ;  and  they  are  essential  to  the 
christian  character.  It  was  Mr.  Bacon's  happy 
distinction  not  only  to  exhibit  to  others  the  most 
lucid  proofs  of  his  regeneration  and  acceptance 
as  a  child  of  God,  but  to  possess  in  his  own 
breast,  the  ^witness  of  the  Spirit,'  to  his  adoption, 
and  a  steadfast  hope  of  salvation.  Some  share 
of  this  confidence  is  essential  to  the  regenerate 
character  :  a  still  larger  share  appears  ordina- 
rily necessary  to  the  ministers  of  Christ ;  and 
few  have  enjoyed  this  humble  assurance  in  a 
higher  degree  than  Mr.  Bacon,  while  preparing 
for  the  ministry.  His  devotion  to  the  service 
of  his  Redeemer  was  unequivocal ;  his  delight 
in  it,  supreme ;  his  zeal  was  ardent,  and  his  ex- 
perimental knowledge  of  the  efficacy  of  evan- 
gelical truth,  and   the  power  of  divine  grace, 


jJOO  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

was  tliorougli  and  various.  Considered  as  a 
christian,  few  will  hesitate  to  pronounce  him  emi- 
nent. With  the  other  qualifications,  which  with- 
out being  peculiar  to  those  who  are  called  into 
the  public  service  of  the  sanctuary,  are  still  es- 
sential to  that  vocation,  he  has  been  seen  to  have 
been  amply  endowed.  In  a  talent  for  commu- 
nicating instruction,  for  conciliating  the  affec- 
tions of  men  of  various  and  opposite  characters 
and  prejudices,  and  for  avoiding  offences,  he  par- 
ticularly excelled  ;  and  in  the  christian  virtues 
of  humility,  self-deinal,  forbearance,  and  dis- 
interestedness, he  was  a  shining  example  to  the 
church  and  the  world. 

To  the  extent  of  these  qualifications,  Mr. 
Bacon  was  especially  fitted  for  the  holy  work 
of  the  ministry.  But  these  alone,  it  must  be 
confessed,  could  never  authorise  him  to  leave  a 
profession  in  which  divine  providence  had  situ- 
ated him,  and  made  him  eminently  useful. 
Many  christians  in  similar  circumstances,  are 
misled  by  their  own  zeal,  the  advice  of  their 
brethren,  and  a  partial  survey  of  the  question 
of  duty,  to  turn  aside  from  the  open  path  in 
which  divine  providence  has  fitted  them,  with 
most  comfort  to  themselves,  and  advantage  to  the 
cause  of  Christ,  to  pursue  their  way  to  Heaven. 
An  indefinite  increase  of  faithful  evangelists 
and  pastors  is  certainly  needed:  and  woe  to 
them  who  are  called  to  the  work,  if  they  do  not 
preach  the  gospel !     But  those  who  are  appa- 


BilEMOIR   OF   BACON.  §01 

reiitly  directed  in  the  overruling  providence  of 
God,  to   a  different  pursuit,  and  are  manifestly 
useful  in  their  sphere,   should  most  cautiously 
verify  their  call  to  tlie  exercise  of   the  sacred 
function,  before  they  venture  to  adopt  it.     By 
such  persons  the  consideration  may  be  profita- 
bly remembered  and  applied,   that  a  labourer 
merely  unskilful,  may  do  the  cause  of  religion  a 
positive    disservice    both    by    abandoning  his 
proper    station  of   usefulness   in  life,  and  by 
occupying  the   place  of  a  more  accomplished, 
workman.     It  would  be  but  a  most  unacceptable 
expression  of  zeal  or  love  for  the  Redeemer,  to 
presume  that  his  interest  in  the  world,  requires 
the  ministry  of  those  whom  he  has  not  chosen ; 
or  that  he  has  indeed  chosen  those  who  are  not 
well  appointed  to  the  holy  calling.     But  the 
work  of  the  christian  ministry  is  various,  and 
will  always  require  the  employment  of  a  great 
variety  of  gifts  and  qualifications  :  and  recourse 
must,  at  last,   be   had  both  by  individuals,  and 
the  ordaining  authorities   of  the   church,  to  the 
evidence  of  a  special  calif  in  order   to  decide 
the  question  of  duty.     Those  who  are  obliged 
to  inquire  into  the  true  nature  of  this  call,  and 
to  act  in  obedience  to  it,  have  great  need  of  the 
especial  illumination  and  guidance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.     For  the  direction  of  such,  a  more  parti- 
cular detail  of  Mr.  Bacon's  principal  trials  and 
encouragements,  and  of  the  methods   by  which 
50 


SOS  MEMOIR    OF    UACON. 

divine  Providence  finally  introduced  him  into 
the  ministry,  may  reflect  some  useful  light. 

He  appears  to  have  had  impressions  on  this 
subject,  evpn  prior  to  the  full  establishment  of 
his  hopes  in  relation  to  his  own  salvation  :  which 
however,  had  very  little  or  no  weight  in  the  ul- 
timate decision  of  the  question.  This  was  very 
properly  taken  on  far  diflTerent  grounds.  Desi- 
rous, above  all  things,  to  promote  the  glory  of 
God,  and  the  salvation  of  men,  he  was  naturally 
induced  to  inquire  into  the  most  effectual  means 
of  realising  these  ends.  The  ministry  occur- 
red as  offering  more  fully  to  combine  his  talents 
and  exertions  in  the  accomplishment  of  his  de- 
vout wishes,  than  any  other  profession.  Hence, 
the  sacred  office  came  to  assume  in  his  estima 
tion,  a  dignity,  and  the  ministerial  work  a  desi- 
rableness, which  raised  in  his  mind  for  both,  a 
strong  and  decided  predilection  over  every  other 
pursuit.  The  possibility  that  God  might  design 
for  him  so  great  an  honour  and  happiness,  at  an 
early  period  of  his  religious  course,  and  ever 
afterwards,  prevented  him  from  entering  into  any 
permanent  engagements  which  might,  in  the 
least,  counteract  the  gracious  purpose.  On  per- 
ceiving that  the  indications  of  Providence  ap- 
peared to  favour  this  habitual  bent  of  his  de 
sires;  that  the  advice  of  his  most  judicious 
christian  friends,  concurred  ;  that  his  most  active 
and  public  labours  for  the  promotion  of  the 
cause  of  Christ,  were  both  acceptable  to  his  piotis 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  S03 

friends,  and  useful  to  the  souls  of  all  classes ; 
that  these  labours  were  attended  with  great  per- 
spnal  comfort,  and  the  evident  approbation  and 
blessing  of  God ;  and  when  he  reflected  also, 
that  he  had  constantly  committed  himself  to  the 
direction  of  God,  in  fervent  prayer ;  it  was  im- 
possible for  him  not  to  entertain,  in  addition  to 
his  strong  desires,  for  entering  the  ministry,  an 
animating  hope  of  their  eventual  gratification. 
A  lively  sense  of  the  numerous  imperfections, 
and  deficiencies  which  his  own  eye,  much  better 
than  those  of  his  fellow-men,  could  discover  in 
his  christian  character,  for  the  responsible  and 
difficult  work,  would  often  damp  the  rising  hope, 
and  produce  a  momentary  fluctuation  of  his  pur- 
pose. But  he  remarked,  when  the  frame  of  his 
mind  was  most  spiritual,  and  his  affections  purest, 
and  best  directed,  that  his  doubts  were  propor- 
tionably  few,  and  his  inclination  towards  the 
work,  strongest.  To  a  judicious  and  intimate 
christian  friend,  he  thus  unbosomed  himself,  in 
the  early  part  of  the  year  1819 :  ^^  Since  I  have 
experienced  a  change  of  heart,  and  the  purposes 
of  my  soul  have  been  turned  in  a  new,  and  I 
would  humbly  hope,  in  a  heavenly  direction,  the 
current  of  my  desires  has  been  flowing  towards 
the  ministry.  Consequently,  every  thing  which 
could  be  brought  to  bear  on  this  object,  has  been 
made  to  do  it.  But  what  could  be  accomplished 
in  the  sliort  space  of  two  and  a  half  years,  in 
the  ipidst  of  a  busy  profession  ?  and  that  with 


3l>4^  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

a  constitution  crumbling  to  pieces  under  the  pres 
sure  of  sedentary  habits  ?  But  with  regard  to 
my  unfitness,  and  un worthiness  for  this  awful 
charge,  what  shall  I  say  ?  I  feel  overwhelm- 
ed  with  its  awful  responsibilities.  I  cannot  par, 
ticularise, — I  am  all  unfit.  Human  learning, 
whatever  mine  may  be,  is  not  a  grain  in  the  ba- 
lance. I  feel  no  worthiness  or  fitness ;  but,  as  I 
said  before,  the  current  of  my  desires  has  been 
setting  towards  the  ministry.  The  Shepherd 
and  Bishop  of  Souls  has  never  suffered  me  to  be 
at  rest  on  that  subject.  I  have  been  ^pressed  in 
spirit'  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  that  continually. 
1  have  sometimes,  for  a  short  time,  induced  the 
belief,  that  it  could  not  be  my  duty,  circum- 
stanced as  I  have  found  myself.  But  I  am 
now  afraid  to  resist  what  I  must  think  is  the 
will  of  my  Heavenly  Father.  I  am  willing  to 
be  '  as  clay  in  the  hands  of  the  potter.'  '  Thy 
will  be  done/  is  the  language  of  my  most  fer- 
vent aspirations  to  God.  I  cannot  say  less 
than  that  I  am  willing  to  do  any  thing  for  the 
cause  of  my  Redeemer,  that  it  is  his  will  I 
should  do.  I  consider  myself  as  wholly  his. 
Wherever,  and  whenever,  I  can  find  it  to  be 
his  will  that  I  should  labour,  then  and  there,  I 
say  ^  Speak,  Lord,  thy  servant  waits  to  hear.' " 
The  direct  influence  of  the  Spirit  of  God 
on  his  mind,  the  effects  of  which  Mr.  Bacon 
characterises  by  being  "pressed  in  spirit  to 
preach  the  gospel,"  is  distinctly  recognised  by 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  200 

the  Episcopal  church  in  the  ordination  service, 
as  a  qualification  universally  necessary  for  the 
sacred  office.  It  may  be  described  more  particu 
larly,  as  a  strong  conviction  of  the  duty  of  en- 
tering the  ministry,  founded  on  rational  and 
scriptural  evidence  of  possessing  the  requisite 
qualifications  for  the  work,  attended  with  an 
ardent  and  prevailing  love  of  it,  and  enforced 
by  the  direct  agency  of  the  divine  Spirit  on  the 
mind.  The  line  of  duty  was  so  distinctly  drawn 
in  his  mind  by  these  concurring  testimonies,  that 
he  employed  in  his  diary,  the  following  deci- 
sive  language  in  relation  to  it,  in  March  of  1819 : 
^'  I  am  now  satisfied  of  my  call  to  the  office  of 
the  ministry.  But  past  experience  has  convinced 
me,  that  in  giving  up  my  mind  to  my  secular 
business  sufficiently  to  enable  me  to  do  it  justice, 
the  state  of  my  feelings  may  alter,  and  I  shall 
begin  to  doubt  my  call.  I  now  enter  it  on  re- 
cord, that  however  I  may  hereafter  doubt,  1  still 
have  been  clearly  taught  my  duty,  and  must  re- 
cur to  this  date  and  page  to  set  me  right." 

But  however  satisfactory  to  his  judgment 
and  conscience,  this  body  of  evidence  may  have 
proved,  Mr.  Bacon  never  contemplated  the  work 
without  trembling.  The  greatness  of  its  res- 
ponsibilities, and  the  consequences  as  they  must 
affect  his  own  eternal  state,  of  a  faithful  or  ne- 
gligent performance  of  its  duties,  presented 
themselves  to  his  enlightened  mind,  with  awful 
interest.     This  feeling  was  enhanced  by  n  snr 


306  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

vey  of  the  effects  which  his  ministry  must  pro- 
duce on  the  present,  and  everlasting  happiness 
of  a  multitude  of  his  fellow  immortals;  and  on 
the  interests  of  Christ,  and  the  manifestation  of 
the  divine  glory,  in  the  church  and  the  world ! 
Had  his  faith  been  less  vigorous,  and  his  love 
and  fear  of  God  less  operative,  his  sensations  in 
the  anticipation  of  this  work,  would  have  been 
proportionahly  less  overwhelming.  An  unstu- 
died expression  of  these  feelings  on  the  approach 
of  his  ordination,  is  furnished  in  the  following 
extracts  from  his  diary  : 

"  August  10th.  Every  thing  seems  to  pro- 
mise well  in  respect  to  my  ordination.  But 
the  good  Lord  help  me !  As  I  draw  nearer  the 
solemn  occasion,  1  feel  more  sensibly  the  awful 
nature  of  the  vocation.  Oh  for  more  of  the 
grace  of  God  ;  more  light ;  more  strength  from 
Heaven  ;  more  of  Christ!'^ 

*•'  Auirust  20th.  This  vile  and  wicked  heart ! 
I  almost  shudder  to  undertake  with  it,  the  duties 
of  the  ministry.  Help  me  ;  humble  me,  O  my 
God  :  and  make  me  as  a  little  child  !" 

'•  September  6th.  Having  previously  sus- 
tained the  requisite  examinations,  I  was  yester- 
day,  ordained  deacon,  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop 
AVhite.  It  was  a  severe  trial;  but  the  Lord  sus- 
tained me  in  a  remarkable  manner.  His  pre- 
sence comforted  me.  I  preached  twice  on  the 
same  day,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  grace  to  do  it 
much  better  than  my  fears  had  apprehended." 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  S07 


CHAP.  YIII. 


The  day  succeeding  his  ordination,  had  been 
previously  fixed  by  Mr.  Bacon,  for  commencing 
his  mission  in  furtherance  of  the  views  of  the 
Philadelphia  Bible  society.  The  experience 
which  he  had  acquired  by  his  successful  exer- 
tions in  behalf  of  Sabbath  schools,  in  a  part  of 
the  same  region,  had  eminently  qualified  him  for 
this  service.  The  objects  of  the  mission  are 
stated  in  the  instructions  of  the  committee  by 
whose  immediate  appointment  Mr.  Bacon  had 
been  engaged  in  it,  to  be,  "  To  form  and  bring 
into  existence,  or  lay  the  foundation  of  bringing 
into  existence,  hereafter,  Bible  societies  or  asso- 
ciations in  any  part  of  the  state,  where  it  shall  be 
proper  to  make  the  attempt.*'  The  committee 
"  pledged  the  most  zealous  and  active  co-opera- 
tion and  support  of  the  Bible  society  of  Phila- 
delphia, to  all  associations  that  might  form  for 
the  sole  purpose  of  distributing  the  sicred  scrip- 
tures." The  route,  and  particular  means  of 
executing  the  purposes  of  the  society,  which  it 
would  be  proper  for  their  agent  to  adopt,  were 
very  properly  submitted  by  the  committee,  to  his 
own  judgment,  and  to  the  direction  of  future  cir- 
cumstances. 

The  cause  of  disseminating  the  sacred  wri- 
tings both  in  christian  and  foreign   countries^ 


'^08  >!£M01R    OF   iiACUi\. 

needs  not  to  justify  or  recommeml  it,  the  sufliage 
of  an  iiidividisars  opinion ;  and  perhaps  can 
gain  little  at  the  present  day,  from  the  example 
of  any  particular  instance  of  zeal  and  disinteres- 
tedness, however  sincere  and  fervent.  But  it  is 
from  Mr.  Bacon's  journal  and  corres[)ondence^ 
dining  the  performance  of  this  tour,  that  the 
most  satisfactory  and  numerous  testimonies  of 
his  clerical  talents,  and  fidelity  can  be  derived ; 
and  the  progressive  maturity  of  his  christian 
character  in  an  interesting  part  of  the  last  year 
of  his  life,  be  best  traced. 

Before  leaving  Philadelphia  he  had  arrang- 
ed with  his  pious  friends  a  plan  of  correspon- 
dence ;  and  secured  for  himself  and  his  mission, 
a  special  rememberance  in  their  daily  prayers. 
Among  these  friends,  were  to  be  found  the  mem- 
bers of.scveral  different  religious  societies,  vrhose 
peculiarities,  were  lost  in  the  deep  interest  which 
they  had  been  taught  to  feel  in  the  advancement  of 
the  gospel,  and  the  salvation  of  their  fellow-men. 
The  very  respectable  member  of  the  committee, 
with  whose  elevated  and  enlightened  piety,  the 
lone  of  his  own,  could  accord  in  the  happiest  uni- 
son :  and  who  as  well  from  that  circumstance,  as 
the  station  he  held  in  the  board,  engrossed  a  prin- 
cipal sliare  of  his  correspondence  while  employ- 
ed on  this  mission,  was  attached  to  a  christian 
communion  different  from  his  own.  But  in  a 
communication  and  interchange  of  pious  feel- 
ings the  most  unreserved,  by  these   two  distin^ 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  209 

guished  proficients  in  the  school  of  Christ,  not  a 
discordant  sentiment  seems  to  have  been  ad- 
vancedj  nor  a  jarring  emotion  to  have  interrupt- 
ed the  sweet  and  holy  communion  of  their 
spirits.  The  entire  correspondence  would  be 
highly  appreciated  by  every  truly  pious  rea* 
der;butits  admission  is  necessarily  precluded 
by  the  plan  of  this  memoir.  A  few  of  the  most 
interesting  passages  in  Mr.  Bacon's  letters, 
only,  can  with  a  due  regard  to  the  unity  of  the 
narrative,  be  here  introduced. 

Mr.  Bacon  had  already  received  several 
communications  from  Washington,  explanatory 
of  the  designs  both  of  the  Government,  and  of  the 
Colonization  society,  in  reference  to  the  forma- 
tion of  a  settlement  for  the  reception  of  li- 
berated Africans  and  free  blacks  of  the  United 
States,  on  the  Coast  of  Africa.  The  offer  of  a 
situation  in  the  projected  expedition  had  been 
informally  made  him ;  and  he  was  now  waiting 
for  the  events  of  Providence  to  explain  to  him 
more  fully  in  what  way  it  would  be  proper  for 
him  to  treat  that  application.  From  the  first, 
he  had  evinced  a  willingness  to  engage  in  the 
service,  if  no  future  obstacle  should  be  inter- 
posed ;  and  both  entered  upon,  and  executed 
his  present  mission,  with  that  to  Africa  in  im- 
mediate  prospect;  although  his  appointment 
was  neither  made,  nor  accepted,  in  form,  until 
more  than  a  month  after  his  return. 
27 


SiO  MEMOIU    OF    BACON. 

Ilia  letter  written  from  York  four  days  after 
the  commencement  of  this  mission,  and  only 
five  days  after  his  ordination,  to  a  christian 
friend  in  Philadelphia,  after  naming  several  of 
his  pious  brethren  in  that  city,  he  subjoins,  ^'  Do 
let  all  these  my  beloved  friends,  know  that  I 
can  never  reward  them  for  their  prayers,  before, 
at,  and  after  my  ordination.  I  can  only  pray 
God  to  bless  them,  as  he  has  in  consequence  of 
their  supplications,  blessed  me." 

Under  the  same  date  Mr.  Bacon  wrote  to 
another  christian  friend  :  ^'  Your  approbation 
of  my  first  sermon  encourages  me.  I  make  a 
point  to  give  a  practical  application  to  every 
doctrine.  I  think  myself  right;  but  many  judge 
differently."  ****  ^'I  started  from  Philadelphia 
quite  asleep  ;  and  was  not  half  awake  at  West- 
Chester  : — but  I  am  now  begisining  a  little  to  open 
my  eyes  on  the  magnitude  of  my  object !"  *  ^  *  * 
"At  Columbia,  the  Lord  gave  me  uncommon  help. 
^  All  the  ends  of  the  world  shall  see  the  salvation 
of  our  God,'  was  the  text.  I  had  no  time  for 
preparation  : — but  as  I  was  walking  over  the  ten 
miles  between  Lancaster  and  Columbia,  I  occa- 
sionally took  out  my  pocket  Testament  to  see 
what  the  Lord  would  show  me.  At  length,  my 
eye  was  directed  to  the  6th  verse  of  the  iii. 
chap,  of  Luke.  I  saw  it  was  quoted  from  Isai- 
ah ;  and  on  my  arrival  in  the  village,  took  a 
Bible,  and  turned  to  it.  The  Lord  opened  ray 
mind's  eye,  and  helped   me  abundantly." — Mr. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  SI  I 

Bacon's  pnlpit  preparations  were  generally  of 
a  very  similar  description.  Among  Ins  volumi- 
nous manuscripts  was  not  found,  it  is  believed, 
an  entire  discourse  for  the  pulpit.  Engaged,  as 
he  constantly  was,  in  the  laborious  prosecution 
of  other  collateral  labours,  he  neither  had  suf- 
ficient time,  nor  did  the  nature  of  his  pursuits 
require  him,  to  observe  the  same  exactness  in 
the  style  and  method  of  his  addresses,  which 
the  periodical  demands  of  a  parochial  charge 
would  have  rendered  necessary.  His  talents 
too,  were  of  that  peculiar  character  which,  while 
they  less  fitted  him  for  proficiency  in  the  seclusion 
of  the  closet,  enabled  him  better  to  dispense 
with  that  advantage,  than  most  of  his  clerical 
brethren.  Add  to  this,  the  maturity  of  his  mind, 
its  various  furniture,  and  a  habit  of  public  speak- 
ing, acquired  by  several  years'  practice  at  the 
bar, — and  few  but  must  approve  of  the  method  he 
observed  in  his  pulpit  performances,  without  de- 
ducing from  his  example  a  single  argument  in 
recommendation  of  a  similar  practice  to  his  ju- 
niors ;  who  can  justly  pretend  neither  to  his  pe- 
culiar qualifications,  nor  his  apology,  for  the  ex- 
temporaneous performance  of  their  pulpit  duties. 
Mr.  Bacon  carried  with  him,  wherever  he  was 
called  to  officiate,  an  example — a  character — a 
weight  of  influence,  which,  itself,  partially  ac- 
complished the  work  of  every  discourse,  before 
he  opened  his  lips  : — an    advantage  w  hich  a 


S18  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

younger  man  of  the  best  promise  can  scarcely  be 
expected,  in  any  instance,  to  possess. 

Although  the  accomplishment  of  the  specific 
objects  of  his  mission  engrossed  its  full  share 
of  Mr.  Bacon's  sincere  and  zealous  endeavours, 
he  never  lost  sight  of  the  great  and  paramount 
ends  of  the  gospel  ministry.  In  the  letter  from 
which  the  last  quotation  is  extracted,  he  adds  : 
"What  can  be  done  for  your  society,  with 
God's  ever-needed  help,  shall  be  done.  But, 
my  soul  is  in  pain  for  Zion.  For  her,  her  Bible, 
and  her  children,  my  waking  and  my  sleeping 
hours  are  filled  with  ceaseless  solicitude.  1  do 
pray  that  the  Lord  may  give  me  souls,  as  well 
as  Bible  societies,  for  my  hire." 

Having  been  for  a  very  few  days  engaged  in 
his  work,  he  adopted  the  plan  of  sending  his 
appointments  forward,  one,  two,  and  even  three 
weeks  before  him,  into  the  different  counties  and 
villages  which  he  intended  to  visit:  together 
with  a  general  annunciation  of  his  object,  and 
an  invitation  to  the  people,  to  assemble  at  the 
period  specified,  in  readiness  to  act  in  the  man- 
ner which  a  due  consideration  of  the  important 
object,  and  their  particular  circumstances  should 
render  most  advisable.  By  observing  this  course, 
and  writing  beforehand  to  most  of  the  influ- 
ential individuals,  clergy  and  people,  in  the  se- 
veral counties,  he  was  enabled  to  combine  in  fur- 
therance of  the  objects  of  his  mission,  a  large 
portion  of  the  moral  strength  of  the  different 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  S13 

communities  through  which  he  passed.  Sep- 
tember 15th,  he  thus  writes  under  the  York  date. 
**  My  course  is  shaped  by  circumstances,  which 
in  my  opinion,  fully  approve  it,  but  which  I 
really  am  at  this  moment  too  much  agitated  to 
detail.  Oh,  sir,  I  am  tearing  asunder  the  ten- 
derest  ties  in  this  place,  leaving  my  friends  ap- 
parently for  ever,  as  to  the  present  world.  There 
are  dear  christian  souls  here, — some  amongst 
others,  that  claim  me  as  their  spiritual  father. 
I  cannot  trust  myself  on  this  subject, — and 
must  quit  it."  ****"!  preached  here  twice 
on  Sunday. — At  evening,  we  had  the  house,  yard 
and  street,  filled.  My  voice  reached  them  all." — 
'^  I  am  bound  to  tell  you,  my  dear  sir,  that  al- 
though the  prospect  of  parting  with  my  be- 
loved friends  is  a  sore  and  heavy  trial,  yet  ever 
since  I  was  ordained,  I  have  had  the  unceasing 
presence  of  God.  My  soul  has  been  all  prayer 
and  praise.  God  gives  me  grace  to  bear  all. 
He  is  my  all — my  only,  and  my  all-sufficient 
hope, — my  strength  and  my  salvation.  The 
spirit  is  willing ;  but  the  flesh  is  weak." 

In  prosecuting  his  tour  from  York,  he  visited 
Gettysburg,  and  other  places  in  Adams  county ; 
but  complains  of  the  most  disheartening  indifter- 
ence  and  disinclination  to  move  in  furtherance  of 
the  Bible  cause,  in  some  of  his  clerical  brethren, 
there.  He  considered  their  excuses  as  quite  in- 
sufficient ;  and  was  for  a  short  season,  severely 
tried  by  the  coldness  of  his  reception.    From 


S14  MI'.MOIU    OF    BACON. 

Cliambersburg  he  next  writes,  under  date  of  the 
18th  :  "  I  have  surmounted  the  conflict  which 
the  part  my  friends  chose  to  take,  produced  iu 
my  feelings,  and  have  given  them  over  to  God  in 
praver  ;  and  feel  now  quite  at  ease."  *  *  ^  "  In 
this  county,(Franklin)  ray  labours  have  been 
pleasant  and  successful.  The  Bible  cause 
prospers.  It  is  in  good  hands — which  are  ac- 
tuated by  zealous  hearts.  What  a  contrast  be- 
tween  this  and  Adams  !  There,  I  could  do  no- 
thing, because  nothing  had  been  done  before. 
Here  I  can  do  nothing,  because  every  thing 
has  been  done  already.'^  ^^  ui  i)egin  to  find 
that,  to  travel  all  day,  and  preach  every  night, 
is  by  no  means,  an  easy  task." 

The  cause  of  christian  benevolence  in  all 
its  various  branches,  is  so  perfectly  identical  and 
unique,  as  to  turn  all  temperate  competition  to 
the  strengthening  of  the  common  interest.  This 
fact  is  happily  exemplified  in  the  following  pas- 
sage from  a  letter  dated  "  Newville,  September 
SOth  ;"  and  was  occasioned  by  the  occurrence  in 
this  part  of  the  tour,  of  several  Bible  hs^soci- 
ations,  auxiliary  to  the  American,  instead  of  the 
Philadelphia,  Bible  Society  :  "  1  find  the  friends 
of  the  American  Bible  society  every  where,  at 
first,  jealous  of  my  mission,  and  cool  in  their 
reception  of  me.  But  they  have  their  feelings 
much  changed,  if  I  can  get  an  opportunity  to 
preach  to  them.  Your  magnanimous  resolution 
to  send  an  agent  to  aid  the  cause  of  the  biblk, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  ^15 

without  confining  him  to  efforts  in  favour  oi 
your  own  institution,  *  heaps  coals  of  fire  on 
the  heads/  of  your  suspecting  friends  (for  it 
would  be  hard  to  call  them  enemies)  and  will 
raise  your  character  more  than  a  thousand  auxi- 
liaries, witiiout  it."' 

The  remarks  and  suggestions  which  Mr. 
Bacon  proceeds,  in  the  same  letter,  to  make  in 
relation  to  the  best  mode  of  eliciting  and  com- 
bining  the  resources  of  the  religious  public  in 
favour  of  the  Bible  cause,  are  capable  of  the 
same  advantageous  application  to  any  of  the 
great  charitable  objects  of  the  day  :  and  the 
time  must  come — and  may  it  speedily  arrive, 
when  that,  or  some  similar  expedient  shall  be 
generally  adopted  for  obtaining  the  means  of 
evangelising  and  converting  the  world  :  "Let  a 
general  association  be  formed  in  every  coun- 
ty: of  which  the  members  are  to  pay  one, 
and  two  dollars,  annually  :  and  in  every  vil- 
lage and  congregation,  erect  an  auxiliary;  of 
which  the  terms  of  membership  shall  be  fifty, 
and  even  twenty-five  cents.  To  effect  this,  let 
a  missionary  be  employed  to  spend,  at  least, 
four  or  six  weeks,  in  every  county,  with  instruc- 
tions to  leave  the  collections  in  the  treasury  of  the 
associations  in  which  they  shall  be  respectively 
obtained.  By  this  means  no  county  could  be  ex- 
pected to  produce  the  cause  less  than  one  thou- 
sand dollars.  From  many,  three  times  that 
amount  would  be  realised. — The  great  advan- 


S16 


MEMOIK    OF    BAOUxN. 


tage  of  village  associations,  is,  that  they  admit  ol 
so  reducing  the  terms  of  membership  as  to 
bring  them  within  the  means  of  all,  and  thus 
uniting  in  the  object,  the  entire  community.  It 
is  better  for  the  cause  to  have  two  hundred  con- 
tributors of  twenty-five  cents  each,  than  fifty  at 
a  dollar.  You,  in  the  former  way,  interest  the 
feelings,  and  stir  up  the  gifts  and  virtues,  of  all. 
From  donors  of  twenty-five  cents,  you  train 
them  to  become  contributors  of  dollars,  in  a  few 
years.  Again;  suppose  twenty  men  scattered 
throughout  a  county,  and  all,  the  members  of  one 
society.  Two  or  three  only,  in  the  county-town, 
have  the  business  to  do  :— -the  rest  are  idle.  But 
if  you  have  twenty  auxiliaries,  you  have  work 
enough  for  all :  each  has  a  post  of  duty  to  fill, 
and  his  zeal  is  kept  warm  by  the  excitement. 
Besides,  the  more  local  you  make  the  societies, 
the  deeper  interest  you  excite  in  those  who  are 
its  members,  to  cherish  and  support  it." 

So  difficult  would  it  appear  to  have  been  for 
this  zealous  missionary  to  spare  his  zeal  where 
good  might  be  done,  or  to  confine  its  range  to 
any  single  class  of  benevolent  objects,  that  few 
besides  would  have  effected  as  much  for  any  one 
in  the  same  time,  as  he  found  the  means  of  ac- 
complishing for  several.  That  branch  of  his 
correspondence  which  was  carried  on  with  the 
particular  friends  and  promoters  of  Sunday 
schools,  discovers  so  much  ardour,  observation, 
and  industry  to  have  been  exercised  in  behalf 


MEMOIR    OF    liACON.  2i7 

of  these  institutions,  as  naturally  to  induce  the 
supposition  that  no  other  object  could  have  shav- 
ed his  attention.  On  the  other  hand,  when  it  is 
considered  that,  besides  the  time  spent  in  writing 
to  individuals  on  his  route,  in  forming,  advising, 
and  exciting  to  increased  duties,  a  great  num- 
ber of  Bible  associations, — he  travelled  upwards 
of  one  hundred  miles,  and  preached  eight  times, 
weekly,  and  kept  up  a  very  full  and  almost  daily 
correspondence  with  the  committee, — it  is  nearly 
incredible  that  he  should  have  been  concerned 
in  any  cause,  except  the  direct  business  of  his 
mission. 

On  the  22d  of  September,  he  reached  Har- 
risburg  ;  having  pressed  the  object  of  bis  mis- 
sion in  Lancaster,  York,  Gettysburg,  Chambers- 
burg,  Shippensburg,  Newville,  and  Carlisle, 
and  every  intermediate  village  and  settlement 
where  it  could  be  done  with  the  prospect  of  ad- 
vantage. His  perseverance,  and  judicious  zeal 
is  evinced  in  a  single  paragraph  of  his  letter,  un- 
der the  Harrisburg  date.  "  This  mission  is 
most  seasonable, — bad  as  the  times  are  thought 
to  be.  You  can  scarcely  imagine  the  cries  and 
groans  of  distress  throughout  the  country.  But, 
I  will  not  listen  to  them.  If  retrenchments  are 
to  be  made,  the  Lord's  treasury  is  no  place  to 
begin  them  at.  I  tell  the  people  to  lay  hands 
first  on  their  sins,  and  follies,  and  extravagancies ; 
to  place  them  under  a  heavy  contribution  indeed, 
before  they  venture  to  defraud  religion  of  its 
38 


§18  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

claims.'' — He  had  now,  to  a  certain  extent,  made 
himself  acquainted  by  actual  experience,  with 
the  nature  of  a  minister's  duties  and  consola- 
tions, and  from  a  deep  sense  of  both,  states, 
"  I  must  say,  I  am  a  happy  man  ;  and  would 
not  be  out  of  the  ministry  for  a  thousand  worlds. 
I  am  a  poor  worm ;  but  the  Lord  does  bless  me: 
and  I  will  praise  him." 

In  his  next,  dated  Jersey- Shore,  Lycoming 
county,  October  6th,  he  writes,  *'  Do  pray  for 
me.  One  prayer  of  faith — the  *  effectual  fer- 
vent prayer  of  the  righteous,'  would  help  me 
much.  Think  of  your  poor  weak,  exhausted, 
wandering  missionary ;  often  so  oppressed  as 
not  to  be  able  to  hold  up  his  head.  I  am  now, 
too  far  spent  totwrite  : — and  must  drink  my  herb- 
tea,  and  go  to  bed."  *  *  *  *  "  One  thing  I  be- 
lieve I  may  state,  and  that  is,  that,  hitherto,  we 
have  succeeded  in  getting  all  the  money  the  peo- 
ple bring  to  church  with  them,  out  of  their  pock- 
ets. In  one  instance,  an  old  German  came  sev- 
eral miles  into  town  on  Monday  morning,  to  give 
a  dollar,  after  having  heard  the  Sunday  even- 
ing sermon,  at  which  he  had  contributed  his 
cent — all  he  had  with  him."  ****"!  preach 
every  where,  and  at  all  times,  if  an  opportunity 
serves.  At  Millersburg,  1  arrived  at  sun  set,  ask- 
ed for  permission  to  preach  ;  obtained  a  place — 
the  Methodist  meeting-house ; — and  in  less  than 
an  hour  after  my  arrival,  without  any  previous 
notice,  was  preaching  to  two  hundred  people.^* 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  S19 

^  *  jjt  tft  What  a  privilege  is  that  christian  inter- 
course with  my  dear  Philadelphia  brethren,  of 
which  I  am  now  deprived !  Oh  could  I  but 
meet  them  in  these  mountains  ! — but,  we  will 
try  to  meet  in  the  skies.^^ 

From  "  Warriors'  Run,  October  5th,"  he 
writes :  "  I  have  need  of  your  letters,  and  of 
your  prayers.  I  look  through  the  formidable 
list  of  my  appointments,  and  sigh  and  even  weep 
over  it;  and  cry  for  help,  to  Heaven.  My 
health  is  unsettled.  I  should  not  be  surprised, 
if  some  of  these  mountains  should  afford  me  a 
shelter  in  sickness ;  nor  must  you,  if  some  of 
them  furnish  me  with  a  grave.  But  I  live,  and 
am  willing  to  die,  for  the  Lord.  His  presence 
is  my  abiding  solace  : — no  hiding  of  his  face, 
or  withdrawing  of  his  favour,  does  he  call  me 
to  experience." 

A  passage  in  his  letter  from  Bellefonte,  on 
the  7th,  while  it  depicts  strongly,  the  pious 
frame  of  his  feelings,  would  seem  almost  to 
carry  in  it  a  presentiment  of  the  early  as  well  as 
the  signally  happy  terminationof  his  own  earthly 
labours.  *•  I  had  a  lonely  ride  through  the  woods 
this  day,  of  nearly  twenty  miles. — The  yellow 
tints  of  autumn  upon  the  trees,  and  the  fading 
green  of  the  fields  seemed  continually  to  admon- 
ish me  of  my  own  destined  decay,  and  indeed 
made  me  more  than  half  willing  to  consider  my- 
self as  an  autumnal  leaf  just  about  to  fall.  I  could 
not  however  forbear  wishing  I  might  be  rather 


S30'  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

like  the  peaeh-trees  every  where  to  be  seen  broken 
down  and  absolutely  killed  by  the  fruit  which 
they  bad  brought  to  full  maturity.  Oh  if  I 
could  fall  by  the  luxuriance  of  my  fruit-bearing ! 
but  the  Lord's  will  be  done.'" 

A  very  unequivocal  proof  of  his  sincere  love 
of  the  work  in  which  he  was  so  laboriously 
active,  was,  the  unaflected  cheerfulness  with 
which  he  pursued  even  the  most  arduous  and 
painful  parts  of  it.  The  following  paragraphs 
are  from  under  the  date  of  ^^  Milton,  October 
11th." 

"  Tliis  afternoon,"  he  observes,  "  at  two 
o'clock.  I  preached  at  Watsonstown,  according  to 
a  prior  appointment.  On  my  arrival,  I  was  about 
to  stop  at  a  tavern  door,  when  an  old  man  thus 
addressed  me  ;— i^Don't-stophere  :  yonder  is  the 
house  where  you  are  to  stop,  and  the  barn  where 
you  are  to  preacli.  And  when  you  have  done 
that,  I'll  thank  you  to  come  and  spend  the  night.' 
I  determined  that,  since  the  Lord  had  made  me 
a  new  threshing  instrument,  as  he  promised  Jacob, 
I  would  not  use  it  with  the  less  zeal  for  being 
on  a  threshing-  floor.  I  did  ray  best :  The  con- 
gregation was  determined  to  liear  the  sermon  at 
greater  length  at  the  nearest  church.  ^  For,'  said 
they,  Miad  we  thought  it  would  have  been  like, 
this,  we  would  have  had  all  the  people  out.'  " 

Mr.  Bacon's  labours  in  the  promotion  of  all 
the  objects  to  which  he  had  hitherto  been  devote 
edj!  were  much  in  detail.     But  his  mi.nd  was  ca- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  S21 

pable  of  the  most  comprehensive  survey  of  the 
more  general  relations,  and  remoter  results,  of 
charitable  and  christian  exertions  :  and  it  was 
the  benevolence  of  his  heart,  and  a  principle  of 
duty,  which  prompted  him  to  such  labours  as, 
hurable  and  subordinate  in  themselves,  were  still 
the  necessary  parts  of  the  system.  But  he  never 
lost  sight  of  the  relative  place  which  they  held  in 
the  grand  outline  which  they  all  went  to  fill.  ^^  I 
have  placed  this  cause,"  he  writes,  under  date 
of  October  13th,  "on  the  broad  basis  of  the 
wants  of  six  hundred  millions  of  heathens,— 
making  those  of  the  million  of  people  within 
our  own  limits,wliom  1  suppose  to  be  destitute— 
a  matter  of  subordinate  concern  :  and  insisting 
that,  until  every  human  being  can  read  the  won- 
derful works  of  God  in  his  own  language,  our 
eiforts  must  be  unremitting.  If  we  rest  the 
subject  on  any  basis  of  smaller  dimensions,  the 
people  directly  imagine  that  their  aid  is  no  longer 
wanted." 

It  was  Mr.  Bacon's  earliest  and  uniform 
opinion,  that  among  all  the  measures  dictated  by 
the  benevolence,  and  executed  by  the  zeal  of  the 
present  age,  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  there 
could  exist  no  possible  cause  of  unfriendly  com- 
petition. Hence,  in  urging  the  claims  of  one 
o])ject  of  christian  benevolence,  he  was  careful 
not  to  disparage  the  just  merits  of  any  other. 
The  comparative  value  of  Bible  and  Missionary 
efforts,  has  been  often  canvassed ;  but,  from  the 


SS2  M£MOUt    0I<    iiACO:^. 

intimate  connexion  subsisting  between  tbein, 
and  their  direct  tendency  by  different  means  to 
the  same  blessed  results,  it  can  never  be  exactly 
estimated  by  human  sagacity.  Any  disquisition 
proceeding  upon  the  attempt  to  contrast  their 
respective  merits,  or  upon  any  other  grounds 
than  the  intention  of  magnifying  the  importance 
ef  both,  must  be  considered  in  the  character  of  an 
unprofitable,  if  not  a  misleading  speculation. — 
Mr.  Bacon  continues ;  "  The  interest,  and  zeal, 
and  means,  of  this  part  of  the  community,  have 
lately  been  pre-engaged  in  favour  of  the  Mission- 
ary cause  by  the  exertions  of  an  agent  from  the 
parent  society.  Of  this  however,  I  would  not 
complain,  if  the  cause  of  Bibles  were  not  beaten 
down,  in  order  to  raise  that  of  missions  upon  it. 
This  is  wrong.  In  organising  associations  for 
Bibles,  I  commonly  advert  to  the  importance  of 
missions;  but  in  pleading  for  missions,  they  de- 
preciate the  Bible  cause :  and  have  in  some  in- 
stances raised  the  former,  on  the  ruins  of  the  lat- 
ter. One  instance,  I  find,  where  Bible  funds 
have  been  transferred  from  their  object,  to  aid 
missions.     This  is  ^  a  pious  fraud,'  at  least." 

Having  traversed  no  less  than  twenty-one 
of  the  counties  of  Pennsylvania  in  different  di- 
rections,  and  in  the  incessant  exercise  of  zeal 
and  industry,  such  as  have  been  described,  he 
returned  to  Philadelphia,  on  the  fifteenth  day  of 
November. 


MEMOIR    OF    BACOX.  2133 

Tlie  report  which  he  presented  to  the  com- 
mittee on  tlie  23d,  is  an  interesting,  and  to  the 
institution  for  which  it  was  prepared,  must  have 
proved,  a  highly  useful  document.  An  enlarg- 
ed view  of  the  cause  to  which  it  related,  was 
presented  ;  a  body  of  valuable  specific  informa- 
tiouj  adduced;  and  many  measures  of  great 
prospective  advantage  to  the  Bible  interest,  were 
suggested  for  the  consideration  of  the  society, 
which  were  supported  by  arguments  founded  on 
actual  experience  and  observation.  The  conclu- 
sion of  this  report  exhibits  the  following  summa- 
ry view  of  the  labours  of  its  indefatigable  author, 
in  this  interesting  mission,  accompanied  with  a 
very  appropriate  expression  of  the  characteristic 
piety  and  humility  of  his  feelings  : — "  In  fine, 
your  agent  was  absent  from  this  city  sixty-nine 
days  ;  traversed  twenty-one  counties ;  preached 
seventy-four  discourses ;  and  during  that  time 
travelled  more  than  one  thousand  miles.  He 
has  had  much  fatigue  and  many  anxious  hours 
for  the  success  of  this  mission.  When  he  looks 
back  on  the  distance,  the  time,  the  labour,  the 
heat,  the  cold,  the  weakness  of  body  and  want 
of  faithfulness,  by  which  his  journey  has  been 
rendered  memorable  to  him,  he  cannot  but  ad- 
mire the  degree  of  health  and  happiness  which 
he  now  enjoys  ;  and  is  sensibly  affected  with  the 
boundless  goodness  and  unmerited  grace  of  God. 
If  your  agent  was  enabled  to  endure  fatigue ; 
if  he  could  plead  the   cause  of  the  Bible;    if 


S34  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

people  conld  be  gathered  to  hear;  if  a  disposi- 
tion to  imbibe  instruction  was  witnessed  ;  if  their 
feelings  could  be  excited  and  drawn  out  into  ac- 
tion ;  all  was  done  by  the  Lord.  There  is  no 
room  for  the  board  or  their  agent  to  feel  the 
slightest  self-gratulation.  But  there  is  room  to 
praise  God  continually,  that  so  much  has  been 
done ;  and  to  lament  for  that  unfaithfulness, 
which  has  prevented  much  more,  that  ought  to 
have  been  done.*' 

The  board  of  managers  of  the  Philadelphia 
Bible  society,  in  their  report  read  on  the  next 
annual  meeting,  made  very  honourable  mention 
of  the  zeal  and  fidelity  which  their  agent  had 
evinced  in  performing  this  mission;  and  from  the 
report  of  the  same  board  in  the  year  still  subse- 
quent, it  appears  that  the  effects  of  his  labours 
were  visible  in  the  substantial  benefits  which 
they  had  conferred  on  the  cause  of  the  Bible,  in 
their  territorial  limits. 

A  strong  impression  in  favour  of  that,  and  eve- 
ry congenial  measure  for  extending  and  increas- 
ing the  knowledge  and  power  of  the  true  religion 
among  men,  was  certainly  made  wherever  this 
mission  reached.  Besides  referring  this  effect 
to  the  direct  blessing  of  God,  to  which  it  is  ulti- 
mately to  be  wholly  ascribed,  we  are  able  to  see 
in  the  qualifications  of  the  instrument,  and  the 
fitness  of  the  means  employed,  a  positive  adap- 
tation^of  both,  to  the  production  of  the  happy  re- 
sult. 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  3S5 

Mr.  Bacon  was  an  honest  advocate  of  the 
Cause  he  plead  :  and  his  sincerity  implied  more 
than  a  cold  assent  of  the  nnderslanding  to  the 
reasons  which  prove  the  importance  of  the  ob- 
ject.  Every  consideration  which  he  pressed 
upon  others,  had  deeply  affected  his  own  heart. 
A  sacred  warmth  and  impressive  sincerity  of 
feeling,  manifested  themselves  in  every  expres- 
sion, and  every  effort  which  the  cause  drew  from 
liim.  From  the  very  conformation  of  human 
nature,  this  qualification  alone,  must  have  gained 
to  his  message  not  only  the  attention,  but  the 
partial  assent  of  all,  and  the  cordial  and  active 
concurrence  of  a  large  majority,  of  his  auditors^ 
wherever  he  moved. 

He  was  wholly  devoted  to  his  work.  Every 
inferior  and  unrelated  concern  was  not  only  un- 
able to  divert  his  pursuit,  but  was  nearly  dis- 
missed from  his  heart,  and  excluded  from  his 
thoughts.  His  work  was  before  him;  and  it 
engrossed  the  undivided  energies  of  his  body 
and  mind. 

He  was  likewise  faithful.  More  is  implied 
in  this  quality,  than  an  industrious  and  diligent 
attention  to  the  work  of  his  mission.  He  had 
made  the  cause  his  own  : — every  advantage  was 
sought  and  seized  with  active  and  untiring  avidi- 
ty :  his  mind  was  bent  incessantly  on  the  sub- 
ject,— inventing  arguments,  devising  means,  sur- 
veying for  information,  the  past,  and  pressing  for 
fresh  motives  to  exertion,  into  the  future.  His 
29 


^S6  MEMOIR   OF   BACON, 

work  was,  in  a  manner,  identified  with  his  exis= 
tence  itself ;  and  its  success  interwoven  with  the 
highest  ideas  of  happiness  which  he  suffered 
himself  to  cherish. 

It  must  be  added,  that  he  was  also  eloquent. 
His  address  was  respectable;  his  elocution  dis- 
tinct and  just?  his   language  impressive;  and 
his  conceptions   original   and   striking.      This 
would  have  been  the  entire  definition  and  utmost 
reach  of  his  eloquence,  had  not  divine  grace  laid 
the  foundation  of  a  far  higher  and  more  affecting 
kind.     His  look,  his  manner,  his  voice,  his  sub- 
ject,his  arguments,  his  allusions, — every  thing  iu 
short,  belonging  to  the  composition  and  delivery 
of  his  discourses,  which  could  serve  as  the  in- 
dex  of  his  feelings  and  the  ruling  passion  of 
his  mind,  took  its  character  from  that  ^  unction 
from  the  holy  One,'  by  which  his  soul  had  been 
so  richly  imbued.     His  eloquence  was  that  of  a 
messenger  jfrom  God,  breathing  the  temper  of 
Heaven,  forgetting  himself  while  treating  with 
immortal  natures,  for  the  honour  of  the  King  of 
glory,  and  searching  by  the  light  which  had  been 
imparted  to  his  own  mind,  the  dark  recesses  of 
the  hearts  of  others.     The  criterion  of  true  el- 
oquence is  its  power  to  convince,  to  impress,  and 
to  move  the  mind,  for  useful  ends.     Subjected 
to  the  test  of  this  standard,  Mr.   Bacon  must, 
as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel,  be  pronounced  elo- 
quent. 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  SS7 


CHAP.  IX. 

Shortly  after  the  discovery  of  this  country, 
and  its  first  settlement  by  the  subjects  of  Euro- 
pean governments,  the  latter  were  seduced* 
by  representations  originating  in  the  inordinate 
cupidity  of  the  adventurers,  to  extend  their  sane- 
tion  to  a  traffic,  by  which  all  their  American  pos» 
sessions  were  eventually  filled  with  enslaved  Af- 
ricans. So  flagrant  a  violation  of  the  sacred 
laws  of  humanity  could  not  fail,  in  the  just  pro- 
vidence of  God,  to  entail  on  the  very  communi- 
ties which  it  was  employed  to  benefit,  evils  but 
little  less  numerous  and  various,  that  the  ini- 
quity itself  had  been  complicated.  Before  the 
epoch  of  the  independence  of  this  country,  this 
trade  formed  an  important  branch  of  the  com- 
merce of  England,  and  was  freely  permitted  in 
nearly  all  her  American  colonies.  But  the  adop- 

*  It  has  beeOv  satisfactorily  proved  by  an  English  phi- 
lanthropist, that  Charles  V.  of  Spain,  and  Elizabeth,  of  En- 
gland, who  first  legalised  this  trade  in  their  respective  do- 
minions,, were  both  very  imperfectly  acquainted  with  its 
cruelty  and  injustice,  as  respects  the  immediate  victims  of 
it,  and  grossly  deceived  as  to  its  impolicy  in  relation  to  the 
colonies  themselves ;  at  the  time  they  were  prevailed  upon 
to  give  it  their  sanction.  The  former  lived  to  be  more  cor- 
rectly informed  as  to  the  inhuman  nature  of  the  traffic,  and 
actually  revoked,  in  1542,  the  license  which  he  had  granted 
for  carrying  it  on,  twenty-five  years  before. 


338  MEMOIR   OF   BACOK. 

iion  of  republican  forms  of  government  in  the 
different  states,  made  way  for  the  institution  of 
6uch  municipal  regulations  as  had  the  effect  to 
preclude  the  further  importation  of  slaves  into 
that  section  of  the  country  lying  to  the  north  and 
east  of  Maryland.  A  provision  was  likewise 
incorporated  in  the  Federal  constitution,  in  1787, 
by  which  (Congress  was  authorised  to  pass  an 
act  for  the  entire  abolition  of  the  trade  by  Amer- 
ican citizens,  at  the  expiration  of  twenty  years. 
A  law  to  that  effect  was,  accordingly,  enacted  in 
I8O7.  But  prior  to  this  era,  all  the  individu- 
al states  had  adopted  regulations  either  abolish- 
ing slavery  directly  or  prospectively,  in  their  re- 
spective limits ;  or  giving  to  individual  propri- 
etors a  discretionary  right,  on  certain  prudential 
conditions,  to  liberate  their  own  slaves.  The 
consequence  was,  the  rapid  accumulation  in  the 
community,  of  a  class  of  people,  freed  indeed 
from  personal  bondage,  but  stiU  separated  by 
indelible  characteristics,  from  the  great  body 
of  citizens  ;  destitute  of  many  of  their  privi- 
leges, and  generally  debased  in  morals,  and  in 
intellect,  quite  below  the  grade  of  christian, 
and  even  of  civilized  society.  Their  improve- 
ment has  been  the  object  of  benevolent  legis- 
lation in  some  of  the  states,  of  charitable  as- 
sociations in  others,  and  of  general  solicitude, 
in  all.  But  every  year  witnessed  an  increase 
of  their  numbers,  and  an  aggravation  of  the 
Qvils  attaching  to  their  anomalous  relation  to  the 


MEMOIll    OF    B/VCOX.  3^9 

slave  population  of  the  country,  on  the  one  hand, 
and  to  the  white  citizens,  on  the  other.  Their 
example  corrupted  the  first ;  and  their  hahits  of 
vice  and  idleness  were  a  sore  annoyance  to  the 
last ;  while  their  own  existence  which  they  were 
taught  by  no  religious  or  intellectual  culture  to 
direct  to  any  valuable  end,  seemed  destined  to 
prove,  in  the  present  and  future  world,  a  still 
heavier  curse  to  themselves. 

In  devising  measures  for  improving  or  al- 
tering the  condition  of  these  people,  there  were 
consequently  presented,  three  distinct  classes  of 
evils  to  be  provided  against ;  each  of  which  was 
calculated  to  interest  in  its  redress,  a  numerous 
and  intelligent  class  of  the  community.  And 
such  was  the  fact.  The  wealthy  slave-holder, 
if  moved  by  no  worthier  motive,  was  obliged  to 
yield  to  the  interested  consideration  of  preser- 
ving the  people  of  his  plantation  from  an  inter- 
course with  the  free  blacks  ;  which  experience 
had  unhappily  proved  to  be  injurious  both  to 
their  morals  and  to  their  happiness.  The  effects 
of  their  improvident  and  predatory  habits,  and 
dissolute  examples,  were  felt  by  a  still  more  nu- 
merous class  of  citizens ;  none  of  whom  could 
be  wholly  indifferent  to  the  application  of  an 
appropriate  remedy.  And,  finally,  every  bene- 
volent mind  could  not  fail  to  be  moved  by  com- 
passion for  their  calamitous  lot,  to  devise  some 
measure  of  effectual  and  permanent  relief. 


S30  MEMOIR    OF   BACOxN, 

Thus,  each  of  these  three  descriptions  of  per- 
sons have  been  heard  to  recommend  their  coloni- 
zation ; — but  the  last  only,  have  ever  evinced  an 
efficient  zeal  in  the  cause,  or  contributed  much 
important  aid  and  encouragement  towards  any  of 
those  charitable  measures  which  provide  for  the 
happiness  and  ulterior  improvement  of  the  ob- 
jects of  colonization.  It  would  be  to  wrong  the 
character  of  the  members  of  the  American  Colo- 
nization Society,  to  confound,  without  this  dis- 
crimination, the  motives  of  its  active  members, 
with  the  various  suggestions  of  interest  which 
may  have  influenced  individuals  of  very  oppo- 
site characters,  to  declare  themselves  favourable 
io  that  part  of  their  plan  which  proposes  to  re- 
move the  free  blacks  out  of  this  country.  This 
measure  has  been  deliberately  approved  by  the 
30ciet3^,  as  essential  to  the  execution  of  their  be- 
nevolent purpose  in  respect  to  the  free  blacks 
themselves  :  and  as  its  eflfects  must  prove  highly 
beneficial  to  the  American  community,  this  con- 
sideration may  very  properly  have  its  weight,  in 
the  minds  of  all.  Still,  it  is  maintained  that 
the  measures  of  this  institution,  have  without 
an  exception,  been  taken  with  the  same  tender 
regard  to  the  interests  of  the  people  for  whose 
colonization  they  provide,  as  if  their  accomplish- 
ment would  draw  in  their  train  no  advantages  to 
any  other  class  of  the  population.  Their  pro- 
ceedings stand  recorded  for  the  perusal  of  the 
world :  to  which  they  can  appeal  with  conii- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  331 

iknce  for  the  proof  of  their  entire  accordance 
with  the  spirit,  and  the  precepts  of  the  gospel. 
The  ohjects  of  this  institution  stated  in  the  order 
in  which  their  accoraplishment*  must  proceed, 
are, 

1st.  The  formation  of  a  christian  settlement, 
organised  after  the  form  of  the  best  constituted 
societies,  on  the  coast  of  Africa  : 

2dly.  The  transportation  of  as  many  of  the 
free  black  people  of  this  country,  as  shall  be  de- 
sirous  of  removing,  to  such  settlement : 

3dly.  The  persevering  application  of  the  best 
means  of  promoting  the  moral  and  social  im- 
provement and  happiness  of  the  colonists,  and 
their  posterity,  as  long  as  the  circumstances  of  the 
latter,  shall  require  their  fostering  care  :  and 

4thly.  The  civilization  and  religious  instruc- 
tion, of  the  native  AJrican  tribes. 

The  society  was  formed  in  January,  I8I7. 
Considering  their  objects  as  strictly  national,  and 
possessing  strong  claims  upon  the  patronage  of 
Congress,  the  Managers  submitted,  in  the  same 
year,  a  proposition  for  its  adoption  by  tlie  gene- 
ral government.  Their  memorial  was  favoura- 
bly received  ;  but  it  has  never  yet  been  deemed 
advisable  to  press  the  final  decision  of  the  ques- 
tion which  was  taken  on  it. 

During  the  year  1818,  the  mission  of  Messrs, 
Mills  and  Burgess,  to  the  western  coast  of  Af- 
rica, was  performed  ;  and  a  valuable  accession 
of  local  information  respecting  the  country,  ob- 


S3S  MEMOIR    OF   BACOxN. 

tained  by  the  society,  by  means  of  their  united 
researches.  Early  in  the  year  1819,  it  had  be- 
come  an  object  of  immediate  interest  with  the 
society,  to  send  out  a  select  company  of  black 
people,  under  suitable  superintendence,  to  com- 
mence the  contemplated  settlement. 

By  the  act  of  Congress  of  the  3d  of  March, 
of  this  year,  the  President  of  the  United  States 
was  authorised  to  institute  an  agency  in  Africa, 
for  the  purpose  of  providing  an  asylum  for  such 
Africans  as  should  be  liberated  by  our  ships  of 
war,  from  vessels  seized  in  the  violation  of  the 
provisions  of  the  same  law,  for  the  entire  sup- 
pression of  the  slave-trade.  This  act,  without 
recognising  the  plan  of  colonization  as  it  had 
been  repeatedly  commended  by  the  society,  to 
the  favourable  notice  of  Congress,  authorised  a 
collateral  measure  so  nearly  identified  with  it^ 
as  in  eft'ect,  to  subserve  nearly  the  same  purpose. 
The  passing  of  this  act,  and  its  benevolent 
bearing  on  the  welfare  of  the  African  race, 
could  not  but  be  regarded  l>y  the  society  as  a 
providential  interposition  directly  propitious  to 
their  own  cherished  objects  :  and  they  resolved  to 
improve  the  advantage  which  was  thus  offered 
them,  by  so  adapting  their  movements,  as  to  de- 
rive from  the  measures  of  the  Government,  the  be- 
nefits of  a  formal  co-operation  In  this  view  it  was 
i  determined  to  make  the  station  of  the  Government 
^  ^^  agency  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  the  site  of  the  colo- 
eerrj^d       .^   settlement ;  and   to  incorporate  in  the  set 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  333 

tlement,  all  the  blacks  delivered  over  by  our  ships 
of  war  to  the  American  Agent,  as  soon  as  the 
requisite  preparations  should  be  completed  for 
their  accommodation. 

Mr.  Bacon  had  been  known  as  the  decided 
friend  of  both  objects  :  and  recommended  to  the 
appointment  of  the  Executive  as  the  principal 
Agent  of  the  Government,  early  in  the  summer 
of  this  year. 

About  the  period  of  his  return  from  the 
Bible  mission,  it  was  determined  by  the  Govern- 
ment, to  send  a  transport  and  ship  of  war  to  the 
coast  of  Africa,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out 
two  agents,  and  as  many  mechanics  and  labour- 
ers as  should  be  necessary  to  prepare  a  recep- 
tacle for  any  persons  that  might  be  liberated 
from  American  slave  ships.  Accordingly,  the 
Sloop  of  War,  Cyane,  of  24  guns,  was  put  in 
commission,  and  the  Elizabeth,  a  merchant  ship 
of  three  hundred  tons,  eventually  chartered, 
for  this  service.  The  former  was  ordered  to 
cruise  on  that  station,  for  the  purpose  of  inter- 
cepting vessels  engaged  in  the  slave-trade,  under 
the  American  flag.  Both  of  these  vessels  were 
lying  at  that  time,  in  the  harbour  of  New  York.  ■ 

Having  received  priests'  orders,  on  the  34th 
of  November,  in  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Bacon  en- 
tered immediately  into  the  service  of  the  Coloni- 
zation society.  In  this  engagement  he  contin- 
ued until  the  8th  of  January,  18S0,  when  he  re- 
ceived from  the  Executive  of  the  United  IState§^ 
30 


Wit) 


S34  MEMOIR    OF   DACO!^, 

government,  his  commission  and  instructions  for 
the  agency  to  which  he  had  been  previously  de- 
signated. 

The  Government  had  consented  to  receive  on 
board  the  Elizabeth,  such  useful  fiee  black  per- 
sons, recommended  by  the  Society,  as  the  ser- 
vice of  the  agency  should  require  on  the  coast. 

About  thirty  families,  comprehending  eighty. 
nine  individuals,  of  different  sexes,  and  ages, 
had  been  selected  by  the  Society  from  a  much 
greater  number  of  applicants,  for  this  expedi- 
tion ;  and  were  now  assembling  in  the  city  of 
New  York.  Mr.  Bacon  was  instructed  to  pro- 
ceed to  that  city  to  receive  these  people,  equip 
them  for  the  voyage,  and  superintend  their  em- 
barkation. He  accordingly  left  Philadelphia 
on  the  26th  of  November.  Under  this  date,  on 
board  the  steam-boat,  he  thus  writes  to  the 
venerated  mother  of  his  late  wife  :  "  My  en- 
gagements were  such,  while  in  Philadelphia, 
that  I  could  not  find  a  moment's  time  to  address 
you."  *  *  *  ^'Ihave  parted  this  morning  with  my 
dear  child, — my  beloved  relations  from  York, 
and  with  hundreds  of  praying  and  affectionate 
friends.  I  cannot  dwell  on  this  subject. — My 
heart  sickens  with  the  recollection  of  the  pain- 
ful circumstances  of  it.  But  glory  to  God,  I  do 
not  mourn  as  one  without  hope.  If  I  never  see 
father,  mother,  child,  sisters  and  brothers  again, 
in  this  world  ;  we  have  reason  to  glorify  God 
and  praise  his  holy  name^  that  we  part  in  body, 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  235 

and  but  for  a  season, — I  am  determined  to  meet 
you  in  Heaven."  *  *  *  "  0  God,  bless  and  save 
my  child  ! — I  desire  that  he  may  be  piously 
brought  up, — and  have  the  benefit  of  a  good  ex- 
ample, and  good  precepts."  *  *  *  "  It  is  my  ear- 
nest desire  and  prayer,  that  God  may  qualify  and 
call  him  to  preach  the  gospel."  *  *  *  "  I  was  or- 
dained  presbyter  on  the  24th  instant,  by  Bishop 
White,  in  St.  Peter's  church,  and  preached  on 
the  same  evening  to  about  two  thousand  coloured 
people,  in  Bethel  church."  "  My  health  has  not 
been  better  for  many  years  past." 

On  the  l6th  of  December  he  writes  from 
New  York  :  "  After  a  day  of  fatigue  and  anxie- 
ty, I  redeem  a  moment  from  sleep,  to  inform  my 
dear  friend,  that  we  are  now  on  the  point  of  suc- 
ceeding in  chartering  a  vessel  for  our  voyage." 
"  We  have  nameless  difficulties  to  contend  with, 
and  numberless  obstacles  to  surmount.  Some  of 
these  arise  out  of  the  lukewarmness,  some  out 
of  the  hostility,  and  many  from  the  avarice  of 
men ;  and  others  from  the  opposition  of  the 
great  enemy  of  all  good.  But  the  gloom  begins 
to  break  away,  and  light  to  dawn  upon  our  cause. 
Satan  literally  ^  has  his  seat'  in  Africa.  But 
we  have  too  much  reason  to  believe  he  is  not 
confined  entirely  to  foreign  shores."  ***** 
"  We  expect  to  meet  him  arrayed  with  all  his 
force,  and  in  readiness  to  oppose  us,  inch  by 
inch,  in  Africa.  But  he  who  fights  for  us,  we 
are  confident,  must  prevail.     The  Lord  gives 


{83#  MEMOIR    CP   BACOX. 

US  grace;  and  I  feel  more  and  more  disposed 
to  prayer  and  earnest  importunity  for  success 
in  this  great  cause." 

The  mind,  in  reviewing  a  series  of  past 
events,  finds  it  difficult  so  to  confine  its  survey 
to  the  painful,  or  the  pleasing,  alone,  as  to  admit 
the  uncompounded  feeling  of  pleasure,  or  of 
pain,  which  either,  contemplated  separately,  is 
capable  of  producing :  but  calling  up  by  the 
same  effort  of  memory,  the  images  of  both,  it 
derives  from  them  the  opposite  emotions  of  grief 
and  joy,  and  melts  them  into  one  uniform  sensa- 
tion. So  the  eye  turned  upon  a  distant  land= 
scape  over  which  spots  of  light  and  shade  are 
alternately  scattered,  admits  the  rays  reflected 
from  both;  but  so  mingled  and  confounded  to- 
gether as  to  spread  over  the  whole  scene,  a  twi- 
light uniformity  of  colouring.  It  is  impossible 
at  this  period,  to  advert  to  the  pleasing  anticipa- 
tions expressed  in  the  following  passage  from  a 
letter  of  the  Slst  of  December,  without  painfully 
connecting  in  idea,  the  event  by  which  they  were 
so  soon,  and  so  affectingly  frustrated.  "  Though 
on  the  eve  of  sailing,  I  am  in  high  spirits, — quite 
happy,  my  dear  mother,  in  my  prospects,  and 
hopeful  that  a  sea  voyage  and  warm  climate 
will  contribute  to  lengtl»en  my  days.  I  should 
not  outlive  three  winters  in  this  country.  I 
find  every  winter  wears  my  constitution  away 
very  fast.  Were  I  to  stay  here,  I  should  have 
a  confirmed  cough  in  two  raonths; — I  am  happy 


MEMOIU    OV    13AC0N.  2S7 

in  the  prospect  of  a  lengthened  span,  and  in- 
creasing usefulness/"' 

On  the  27th  of  December,  be  left  New  York 
for  the  city  of  Washington,  where  he  arrived 
on  the  S9th,  and  remained  until  the  13th  of  Jan- 
uary. This  period  was  very  usefully  filled  up 
in  learning,  by  personal  conference  with  the  exe- 
cutive officers  of  the  general  government,  and  the 
managers  of  the  Colonization  society,  the  views 
of  both,  in  reference  to  the  interesting  expedi- 
tion with  the  direction  of  which  he  was  char- 
ged. It  is  also  due  to  his  memory  to  state,  that 
his  own  good  sense  suggested  a  number  of  im- 
portant hints  in  relation  to  the  undertaking, 
wliich  served  as  the  basis  of  some  of  the  official 
instructions  which  he  received  on  the  occasion; 
and  that  his  zeal  and  perseverance  were  happily 
instrumental  of  removing  several  formidable  ob- 
skcles  to  the  execution  of  the  plan,  which  even 
then  threatened,  to  delay  it  to  a  remote  and 
uncertain  period,  and  thwart  some  of  the  best 
hopes  of  its  friends  altogether. 

To  his  visit  to  the  metropolis  at  this  time,  the 
writer  of  this  memoir  is  indebted,  for  the  only  op- 
portunity he  enjoyed,  of  cultivating  with  Mr.  Ba- 
con, a  personal  intercourse.  Short  as  the  term  of 
his  stay  was,  it  proved  amply  sufficient  to  disco- 
ver to  the  observation  of  those  with  whom  he  asso- 
ciated, many  of  the  estimable  characteristics  of  his 
mind.  Such  was  the  simplicity  of  his  manners, 
and  the  candour  of  his  character,  as  to  show  out 


2SS  MEMOIU    OF    UAO(J:s\ 

in  the  most  natural  expressions,  the  genuine  quali- 
ties   of  the  heart.     The  impression  which  these 
were  capable  of  making  on  the  mind  of  one,  till 
then  a  stranger,  has  constituted  his  chief  motive 
for  engaging  in  the  interesting  labour  of  prepar- 
ing for  the   world,  this  huml)le  memorial  of  his 
warth.     It  seeks   no  higher  merit  than  that  of 
giving  to  one  of  the  brightest  examples  of  piety 
and  christian  benevolence,    in    the  age,  a  just 
exhibition.    The   most  striking  feature  in   hig 
character  was  the  apparently  entire  abstraction 
of  his  thoughts  and  aifections  from  every  grovel- 
ling terrestrial  object; — a  trait  evinced  rather  by 
the  inimitable  and  peculiar  sanctity,  and  unaf- 
fected humility  of  his  deportment,  than  by  any 
other  form  of  expression.     The  most  unskilful 
observer  of  the  human  character  could    hardly 
escape  the   impression,  that  a   peace   ineffable 
reigned  in  his  mind,  and  placed  it   perfectly  «it 
rest,  above  the  reach  of  the  passions,  and  com- 
motions of  ordinary  life,  on  the  elevated  ground 
of  an  intimate  communion,  and  constant  inter- 
course with  God. 

His  breast  seemed  to  be  a  sanctuary  hallowed 
for  the  constant  residence  of  the  most  devout^ 
and  sublimated  affections  of  which  the  human 
soul  is  capable  in  the  present  world.  The  most 
natural  employmeut  of  his  thoughts,  was  prayer; 
and  their  most  delightful  exercise,  praise.  The 
eye  of  his  faith  had  pierced  through  the  veil  of 
sensible  things,  and  seemed  to  feed  with  awful 


MEMorii  OP  BACON.  23Sr 

rapture,  on  the  uncreaied  glory  of*'  e  eternal  God- 
head. Tosuclia  man,  death  must  he  regarded  only 
as  the  soarins;  of  the  soul  to  the  holy  object  of  its 
supreme  attraction,  and  intimate  knowledge,  in 
the  present  world.  The  deepest  wave  of  the 
last  flood  can  hardly  obscure — it  cannot  even 
for  a  season,  extinguish,  the  light  of  the  celestial 
vision  ! — Such  are  the  reflec  tions  which  the  last 
interview  of  this  man  of  God  must  have  excited 
in  the  bosoms  of  many  of  his  American  friends. 
Wherever  he  moved,  he  carried  a  kind  of  palpa- 
ble demonstration  of  the  truth  and  pow  er  of  the 
gospel,  which  greatly  strengthened  the  faith, 
quickened  the  zeal,  and  encouraged  the  hopes,  of 
the  pious;  and  was  calculated  to  give  energy  to 
the  imperfect  convictions  of  the  careless  on  the 
subject  of  religion. 

The  methods  of  God's  providence  are  mys- 
terious and  inscrutable  :  and  all  human  attempts 
to  conjecture  the  reasons  on  which  the  measures 
of  his  government  are  founded,  commonly  discover 
more  of  profanity  and  weakness,  than  of  the  ex- 
ercise of  a  judgment  enlightened  and  regulated 
by  the  maxims  of  revelation.  But  there  is  no- 
thing merely  conjectural  in  the  supposition,  that 
He  who  reads  the  future  of  every  man's  life  and 
destination,  does  prepare  for  approaching  scenes, 
by  a  special  interposition,  such  as  surrender 
themselves  to  the  guidance  of  his  holy  Spirit. 
The  belief  is  scriptural :  it  is  also  confirmed  by  ob- 
servation.   It  is  now  easy  for  his  friends  to  per- 


S40  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

ceive,  tliai;  Mr.  Bacon  was  at  the  time  of  his 
crabarkation  for  Africa,  rapidly  advancing  in  the 
improving  temper  of  his  mind,  through  the  hist 
stages  of  earthly  maturity  for  the  holy  society  of 
his  Saviour,  and  the  saints  in  Heaven. 

On  the  13th  of  January  he  left  Washington 
on  his  return  to  New  York,  travelling  through 
the  interior  of  Pennsylvania.  He  now  visited 
his  friends  in  York,  for  the  last  time.  From  the 
nature  of  the  undertaking  in  which  he  was  en- 
gaged, he  indulged  little  expectation  of  ever  re- 
newing his  visit  to  that  place ;  and  passed  the 
three  da;ys  of  his  stay  there,  in  a  way  that  well 
became  his  last.  After  preaching  several  times 
to  the  little  flock  from  which  the  great  Sliepherd 
had  separated  him  to  higher  services,  he  met 
them  around  the  communion  altar;  and  both  to 
himself  and  them,  the  pain  of  a  long  and  event- 
ful  separation  appeared  to  be  nearly  excluded 
by  the  joys  of  christian  fellowship,  and  com* 
munion  with  the  Father  of  their  spirits. 

He  arrived  in  New  York,  on  the  19th,  where 
his  colleague,  John  V.  Bankson,  Esq.  and  Dr. 
Samuel  A.  Crozer,  the  Agent  of  the  Coloniza- 
tion  society  soon  after,  joined  him  ;  and  the 
people  destined  for  tlie  voyage,  were  already  as- 
sembled. On  the  SOth,  he  thus  writes  to  his 
friends  in  Pennsylvania  :  ^^  I  arrived  safe,  yes- 
terday morning  ;  and  find  we  shall  be  at  sea  in 
a  very  few  days."  ^  *  ^'^  We  have  some  hundreds 
of  applications  from  the  black  people  which  we 


MEMOIR   OF    BACON.  S41 

are  obliged  to  refuse.  "I  am  perfectly  convinced 
that  the  Lord  has  led  me  on  step  by  step,  to  quali- 
fy me  for  this  business.  You,  and  my  dear 
friends,  and  my  child,  will  never  have  cause  to 
regret  this  undertaking.  We  are  making  our 
purchases,  and  lading  the  ship — and  perhaps 
shall  only  receive  the  letter  which  you  send  by 
return  of  mail." 

On  the  30th  of  January,  the  entry  in  his 
journal  states,  "  From  the  19th,  to  this  date,  I 
have  been  incessantly  engaged  in  purchasing  and 
putting  on  board  the  Elizabeth,  our  provisious, 
tools,  implements  and  other  necessaries.  I  have 
preached  on  Sundays,  in  the  different  churches  in 
the  city.  To-morrow  is  the  day  fixed  for  em- 
barking the  people.^' 

Monday  31st,  was  an  interesting  day.  The 
people  assembled  at  the  African  church,  to  the 
number  of  several  thousands,  to  witness  the  so- 
lemnities with  which  it  was  expected  the  em- 
barkation would  be  attended,  and  join  in  a  pro- 
cession to  the  vessel  then  lying  in  the  North 
River.  But  before  the  doors  were  opened,  it 
was  perceived  that  the  rush  which  must  follow^ 
would  endanger  the  lives  of  many  of  the  multi- 
tude :  and  they  were  ordered  to  be  kept  shut. 
The  concourse  then  moved  towards  the  ship ; 
but  Mr.  Bacon  foresaw  the  disastrous  conse- 
quences of  bringing  so  unmanageable  a  con- 
course, as  four  or  six  thousand  eager  spectators, 
down  to  the  verge  of  the  river ;  and  stopped  its 
31 


24S  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

further  progress.  He  ascended  a  neighbouring 
piazza,  and  after  fervently  commending  the  mul- 
titude to  God,  and  addressing  them  in  a  few  ap- 
propriate words,  he  returned  to  the  street,  and 
with  great  address  and  prudence,  sent  the  ship's 
people,  individually,  on  board.  The  concourse 
still  kept  their  ground,  until  the  people  were  all 
secretly  embarked.  *'•  The  fact  was  not  known,'' 
says  Mr.  Bacon, "  till  I  announced  it,  to  the 
great  surprise  of  the  multitude  : — and  thus  pro- 
bably, were  numbers  restrained  from  rushing, 
through  inconsiderate  curiosity,  into  a  watery 
grave." 

Before  the  wind  proved  favourable  for  putting 
to  sea,  the  Elizabeth  found  herself  closely  ice- 
bound, and  incapable  even  of  dropping  down  into 
the  Harbour.  In  this  situation  she  remained  until 
the  6th  of  February,  when  a  passage  was  opened 
through  the  ice,  and  the  ship  run  out  to  sea,  with 
a  fair  wind.  The  crew  were  all  in  good  health, 
at  this  date  ;  and  manifested  a  harmonious  and 
subordinate  spirit.  The  agents  were  animated 
with  a  common  principle  of  benevolence  and 
zeal ;  and  many  of  the  emigrants  appeared  in- 
fluenced by  the  religion  which  a  majority  of  the 
most  influential,  professed  to  have  embraced  with 
a  true  faith. 

In  the  organisation  of  this  service,  Messrs. 
Bacon  and  Bankson  had  been  appointed  colle- 
giate Agents  of  tbe  Government  of  the  United 
States,  to  whom  the  direction  of  the  expedition 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON,  243 

was  entrusted.  The  people  were  all  considered 
as  attached  to  this  joint  agency,  and  to  remain 
entirely  subject  to  its  controul,  as  long  after  their 
arrival  on  the  coast,  as  their  services  should  be 
needful,  or  until  they  should  receive  a  regular 
discharge.  Their  official  instructions  required 
them  to  make  the  island  of  Sherbro,  on  the  coast 
of  Africa,  their  first  place  of  destination,  and 
either  there,  or  in  some  more  eligible  situation,  to 
land  the  people  and  stores,  and  proceed  to  erect 
cottages  for  the  accommodation  of  themselves, 
and  at  least,  three  hundred  captured  Africans. 
They  were  likewise  instructed  to  plant  and 
cultivate  corn  and  vegetables  ;  and  contribute  by 
their  own  industry,  to  subsist  and  defray  the 
expenses  of  the  establishment. 

Mr.  Samuel  A.  Crozer  was  the  sole  Agent 
of  the  Colonization  society ;  who  was  entrusted 
with  the  goods  and  stores  sent  out  by  the  society, 
for  the  purposes  of  conciliating  the  favour  of  the 
native  chiefs,  purchasing  lands,  and  ministering 
to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  people.  The  se- 
lection and  purchase  of  a  territory  for  the  con- 
templated settlement,  were  committed  to  this 
agent ;  who  was  instructed  to  avail  himself  of 
the  advice  and  good  offices  of  the  agents  ap- 
pointed on  the  part  of  the  Government.  In 
planning  this  expedition,  great  confidence  had 
been  reposed  in  the  statements  of  Messrs. 
Mills  and  Burgess  in  relation  to  the  friendly 
disposition  of  the  natives  on  and  near  the  Sher- 


S44I  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

bro  River  ;  the  salubrity  of  the  climate;  aiiil 
the  eligibility  of  the  site  which  they  had  re- 
commended for  a  place  of  settlement.  The  in- 
structions of  the  agents  were  framed  in  a  ^ene. 
ral  conformity  with  their  recommendations.  It 
is  only  to  be  regretted  that  those  gentlemen  had 
not  spent  a  longer  period  in  that  country,  explor- 
ed the  coasl  more  extensively,  and  used  the  means 
of  acquiring  a  more  exact  and  certain  know- 
ledge of  the  different  subjects  on  which  they 
were  obliged  to  report.  The  instructions  of 
the  agents  had  been  drawn  up  under  an  erro- 
neous impression,  as  to  the  true  state  of  several 
of  these  particulars  ;  and  to  this  cause  must  be 
partially  attributed  the  fatal  miscarriage  of  the 
expedition. 

The  subsequent  extracts  from  Mr.  Bacon's 
journal  of  the  voyage,  discover  it  to  have  been 
marked  with  some  circumstances  of  an  unpro- 
pitious  and  eventful  character,  ^»  Monday, 
February  7th,  1820.  Still  lying  to,  off  the  high 
lands  of  Neversink,  waiting  for  the  Cyane  who 
is  still  within  the  Light.  The  people  were  com- 
fortably lodged  through  the  night.  We  soon 
got  under  way,  and  proceeded  to  sea.  The 
wind  was  fair  most  of  the  day,  and  carried 
us  forward  at  the  rate  of  ten  miles  an  hour. 
Nearly  all  the  people  on  board  are  sea- 
sick." "  February  8th.  The  people  are  reco- 
vering from  their  sickness.  The  weather  is 
still  favourable.     The  evening  closed  in  cheer- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  ^45 

ful  worship  of  God  ia  the  steerage,  by  the 
emigrants;  neither  of  the  agents  being  well 
enough  to  be  present.''  ^^Jb'ebruary  10th.  At 
night,  it  began  to  blow,  and  the  gale  became  tre- 
mendous ;  which  lasted  till  morning.  The  aw- 
ful scene  we  passed  through  is  not  to  be  described. 
I  however,  never  lost  sight  of  the  promises  of 
God  ;  and  never,  for  a  moment,  doubted  of  our 
eventual  arrival  on  the  coast  of  Africa :  but 
through  much  tribulation  and  distress.  I  still  felt 
it  a  duty  to  pray  continually  and  earnestly,  and 
felt  an  unshaken  reliance  in  the  efficacy  of  the 
prayers  of  the  church  of  God.  I  considered 
God  had  entered  into  covenant  with  his  church, 
to  answer  their  prayers  for  its  success.  Christ 
is  the  head  of  the  church  ;  he  must  prevail,  and 
so  must  all  the  faithful  prayers  of  his  people.  I 
found  it  sweet  to  be  here,  and  did  rejoice  in  the 
dominion  of  God."  "  February  11th.  A  little 
before  sun-set,  the  wind  began  to  rise;  and 
it  soon  blew  a  gale,  more  severe,  if  possible, 
than  in  the  preceding  night."  We  shipped 
nearly  a  hundred  seas, — some  of  which  were 
very  heavy.  The  binnacle  was  washed  off,  and 
compasses  broken.  Sometimes  the  ship  was 
before  the  wind ; — sometimes  she  was  rolling  in 
the  trough  of  the  sea ;  sometimes  they  lost  all 
command  of  her.  During  the  latter  part  of  the 
night,  they  hove  to,  and  we  rolled  about  till  day- 
light,  when  the  wind  abated.  These  three  last 
nights  were  awful  ones  indeed ;  but  in  the  midst 


246  MEMOIR    OF    BAGON. 

of   the  dangers, — when  every   sea  seemed   to 
be  about  to  swallow  us  up,- — and  every  fresh 
blast  of    wind   stronger  than  the  last;  in  the 
midst  of  all,  I  rejoiced  in  God  and  in  the  ^  help 
of  his  countenance/  I  could  ask  myself,  whe» 
ther  there  was  another   place  in  the  universe, 
I  would  prefer  to  be  in,  at  that  moment? — and 
I  desire  to  give  glory  to  God,  that  I  could  say, 
there  was  none.     Duty  had  called  me    here  ; 
God  was  with  me;  and  I  was  happy.   A  cove- 
nant God  ;  a  triumpiiant   Saviour ;  a  holy  Bi- 
ble ;  and  a  peaceful  conscience, — all  how  pre- 
cious  1"    "  February  ISth,  We  have  a  calm  sea, 
and  the  people  were  on  deck,  and  seemed  to 
gain  new  life  and  spirits.     We  have  prayers  in 
the   cabin,   morning  and  evening.     We  fell  in 
with  the  wreck  of  the  Schooner  '  Elizabeth,  of 
Boston.'     The  Mate  boarded  her,  and  found 
no  one  on  board.     We  lay  to  for  some  time,  in 
hope  of  falling  in  with  some  of  her  crew  in  her 
long  boat.     A  general  sentiment  of   gratitude 
seemed  to  pervade  our  people,  that  the  Eliza- 
beth, of  New  York  (our  ship)  was  not  in  a  simi- 
lar condition." 

On  the  I6th,  having  the  prospect  of  speaking 
a  ship  bound  into  the  United  States,  Mr.  Bacon 
wrote  to  his  friends  in  Pennsylvania : 

"We  are  proceeding  rapidly  towards  the 
jdace  of  our  destination,  with  a  delightful  breeze 
and  charming  weather.  The  thermometer  in 
nur    companion-way,    is    standing   at    66  de- 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  S-i7 

grees.'^  "We  have  now  been  out  ten  days. 
We  parted  from  tlie  Cyane  going  out  of  the 
harbour  of  New  York,  and  have  not  heard  of 
her  since.''  "  W^e  have  little  to  say  in  relation 
to  the  behaviour  of  our  people,  except  in  their 
commendation.  No  accident  has  occurred  since 
we  came  out  of  port,  to  damp  our  spirits.  Every 
thing  seems  to  be  as  it  should  be.  Harmony 
prevails. — We  want  only  more  gratitude." 

In  consequence  of  the  recommendation  of  the 
agents,  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker,  on  the  18th, 
formed  a  society  in  conformity  to  the  Methodist 
discipline;  consisting  of  twenty-five  communi- 
cants. Three  magistrates  had  likewise  been 
appointed  for  the  preservation  of  order  among 
the  emigrants,  and  the  protection  of  their  respec- 
tive rights. 

•'^February  19th.  We  have  continued  our 
consultations  for  the  good  of  our  charge.  It  is 
determined  to  call  our  colony  by  the  name  of  the 
country  where  it  shall  be  established.''  *  *  * 
•'•  To-day  I  was  able  to  preach  in  the  steerage  : 
and  gave  notice  of  two  services  on  next  Sabbath  ; 
we  also  notiiied  a  fast  on  the  same  day,  and  a 
general  thanksgiving  when  we  should  arrive  iu 
sight  of  Africa." 

Mr.  Bacon  here  relates  a  perilous  scene  of 
confusion  and  strife  between  some  of  the  oflScers 
of  the  ship,  and  a  part  of  the  passengers,  in 
consequence  of  the  very  reprehensible  miscon- 
duct of  the  latter ;  in  which  the  authority  of  the 


:5J4S  l^lEMOIR   OF   BACOX. 

master  came  near  being  overpowered  by  the  vio» 
lence  of  the  people.  The  interference  of  the 
agents  was,  ai  first,  altogether  unavailing  to 
quell  the  disorder ;  but  by  a  prudent  decision  of 
conduct  on  their  part,  seconded  by  the  forbear- 
ance of  the  officers  of  the  vessel,  the  difference 
was,  through  the  blessing  of  God,  happily 
composed  without  the  necessity  of  proceeding  to 
those  extreme  measures  which  the  case  seemed 
at  first,  too  likely  to  provoke.  The  unlucky 
dogs  that  had  been  the  cause  of  the  commotion 
which  threatened  so  serious  a  terminatioi^,  were 
thrown  overboard  ;  and  no  overt  act  of  insubor- 
dination on  the  part  of  the  people,  was  repeated 
during  the  remainder  of  the  voyage.  In  refer- 
ence to  this  affair,  Mr.  Bacon,  with  his  usual 
piety,  states :  "'  At  one  moment,  there  was  great 
appearance  of  a  general  engagement  between 
the  ship's  crew  and  emigrants ;  in  which  case 
many  lives  would  have  been  lost,  and  the  sliip 
exposed  to  be  cast  away  for  want  of  persons 
capable  of  navigating  her.  It  was  a  great  in- 
stance of  God's  mercy  that  we  were  not  ruined 
in  a  moment.  Blessed  be  his  name,  that  we 
were  saved  from  self-destruction." 

^•February  25th.  This  day  we  observed 
as  a  season  of  fasting  and  prayer.  I  preached 
in  the  morning,  from  Ezra  viii.  verses  31,  S3, 
23.  God  gave  me  his  assistance;  and  we 
had  a  profitable  season.  Several  of  the  col- 
oured preachers  and  exhsrters   continued   the 


MEVIOIU    OF    B  VCO\.  24:9 

services  through  the  day.  Peter  Small,  the  chief 
actor  in  the  \site.  disturbance,  apologised  for  his 
conduct,  and  we  have  had  a  day  of  quiet  and 
harmony ;  I  bless  the  Lord  for  all  His  mercies, 
especially  for  the  peace  which  he  has  restored 
to  us." 

A  dangerous  leak  was  providentially  disco- 
vered and  stopped,  on  the  1st  of  March,  wfiich 
had,  for  several  days,  filled  the  ship's  hold  at  the 
rate  of  twenty-four  inches  in  an  hour. 

It  was  but  too  apparent  that  a  mutinous  spirit 
was  secretly  working  in  the  minds  of  some  of 
the  people  on  board ;  who  waited  only  to  be  lan- 
ded in  Africa,  in  order  to  vent  it  in  such  acts  of 
personal  hostility  to  the  agents,  and  of  direct 
resistance  to  their  authority,  as  would  subvert 
the  very  design  of  the  expedition.  In  order  to 
test  the  temper  of  the  people,  and  if  possible,  to 
anticipate  any  unruly  proceedings  which  might 
grow  out  of  it,  when  it  should  become  necessary 
to  subject  them  to  a  more  rigid  controul  than  the 
circumstances  had  hitherto  required,  Mr.  Crozer 
published  on  the  same  day,  the  instructions  of 
the  society,  in  relation  to  the  apportionment  of 
lands,*  in  the  contemplated  settlement.  This 
was  accompanied  with  a  full  explanation  of  the 
relation  which  the  people  sustained  to  the  Colo- 
nization society,  and  to  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  respectively  ;  and  of  the  obliga- 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  VII. 


250  MEMOIR    or    BACOK. 

tions  and  duties,  mutually  attaching  to  them  and 
the  directors  of  the  expediliou.  Indications  of 
strong  disaffection  were,  on  this  occasion,  mani- 
fested by  a  few  individuals;  but  a  large  majority 
acquiesced  in  tlie  authority  of  the  agents,  at  the 
time  ;  and  the  dissatisfied  persons  in  a  few  days 
afterwards,  apologised  for  their  contumacy,  and 
petitioned  to  be  restored  to  confidence.  The 
journal  proceeds : 

"  March  Sd.  At  half  past  ten,  land  was 
discovered  over  our  lee-bow — the  ship  standing 
B.  E.  It  proved  to  be  the  Islands  of  Fuego 
and  Brava,  the  most  western  of  the  Cape  Verds. 
We  were  unable  to  weather  them,  and  are  now 
becalmed  a  little  to  leeward  of  them." 

^^  March  7th.  We  are  now  on  soundings. 
A  Sunday  school  was  formed  on  board  the  ship 
to-day :  Bibles  were  distributed  to  the  crew ; 
and  I  gave  to  each  a  prayer-book.  They  ap- 
peared grateful  for  them.'' 

"March  8th.  We  enjoy  uninterrupted  quiet 
on  board  :  and  are  one  hundred  and  twenty 
miles  to  the  nortli-west  of  Cape  Sierra  Leone.'' 
A  variety  of  orders  were  issued  to  regulate  the 
intercourse  of  the  people  with  the  colonists  of 
Sierra.  Leone;  and  appointments  distributed 
among  them,  principally  with  a  view  to  secure 
their  attachment  to  the  service.  A  committee  of 
three,  was  dignified  with  the  title  of  "  Members 
of  Council;"  another  was  called,  the  "Com- 
mittee of  Trade:"  To  these  were  likewise  ad» 


MEMOlli    OF   BA.CON.  251 

ded  a  ^-  Register  of  Public  Acts,"  and  a  "  Co- 
lonial  Secretary."  This  measure  was  produc- 
tive  of  a  very  happy  effect,  and  reflects  credit 
on  the  good  sense  of  the  agents. 

*<  March  9th.  At  nine  o'clock  this  morning," 
the  jojirnal  states,  '^  We  discovered  the  high- 
lands in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cape  Sierra  Le- 
one :  and  on  entering  the  harbour  of  Freetown, 
about  three  o'clock  in  the  evening,  were  boarded 
by  a  canoe  carrying  several  Kroo-raen,  who  per- 
form nearly  all  the  hard  labour  of  the  town.  This 
race  of  people  are  remarkably  large  and  well 
proportioned,  and  generally,  have  fine  intelligent 
countenances.  Their  country  is  on  the  Guinea 
coast,  in  latitude  about  5  degrees  N.  whence  they 
sail  in  their  canoes  to  the  different  European  posts 
on  the  coastj  and  hire  themselves  at  the  rate  of 
four  dollars  per  month  :  and  are  frequently  ab- 
sent from  home  for  several  years.  Their  whole 
dress,  when  employed  in  their  work,  consists  of  a 
single  piece  of  cotton,  or  bafta.  Our  people  clo- 
thed those  who  came  on  board,  decently.  At 
four  o'clock,  we  dropped  our  anchor  in  the  har- 
bour of  Sierra  Leone.  We  were  immediately 
visited  by  a  number  of  officers  from  shore ;  and 
saw  several  American  emigrants  brought  out 
some  years  since,  by  Captain  Paul  Cuffee  ;  all  of 
whom  were  respectable  in  their  appearance, 
and  happy  in  their  circumstances.  Our  sick 
have  all  recovered,  and  passengers  and  crew 
enjoy  perfect    health.     We  spent  the  evening 


253  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

on  board,   in   acts  of  thanksgiving  and   praise. 
Surely  we  have  reason  for  gratitude." 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  ^53 


CHAP.  X. 

It  is  due  to  the  zeal,  good  judgment,  and 
uniform  fidelity  of  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker,  of 
the  Methodist  church,  who  went  out  in  the 
Elizabeth,  and  of  the  value  of  whose  services, 
both  during  the  voyage,  and  on  the  coast,  the 
agents  made  very  honourable  mention,  and  the 
society  have  received  the  most  substantial  proofs, 
to  observe  in  anticipation,  that  he  has  continued 
to  the  present  time,  to  justify,  by  a  consistent 
course  of  upright  and  discreet  conduct,  the  con- 
fidence reposed  in  him. 

On  the  10th,  Mr.  Bacon,  and  his  colleagues 
went  ashore ;  and,  as  the  natural  history,  and 
a  local  knowledge  of  Africa,  are  becoming  sub- 
jects of  general  interest  in  this  country,  the  ex- 
tracts from  his  journal  are  here  continued. 

'^  We  visited  the  market.  It  was  too  late 
for  meat  or  fish  ; — but  tropical  fruits  and  vegeta- 
bles were  abundant.  We  saw  bananas,  plan- 
tains, pine-apples,  oranges,  limes,  guavas,  rice, 
cassada,  yams,  sweet-potatoes  and  other  pro- 
ductions of  the  country.''  "  Several  small  beeves 
were  grazing  in  the  streets ;  and  all  quite 
fat."  "  The  market-  women  seemed  to  be  all 
Kroos  or  Timinies."  ^'  Myself,  with  two  others 
again  went  on  shore  about  four  o'clock,  and 
strolled  down  to  the,   Kroo-men's  village.      Oh, 


2j4i  memoir  of  bacon. 

what  a  field  for  evangelical  labour  amongst 
them  !  How  lamentable  that  these  fine  people 
<lo  not  attract  the  notice  of  the  religious  world. 
We  passed  their  hamlet,  and  saw  hundreds  of 
them  engaged  in  a  variety  of  sports  and  amuse- 
ments."' The  following  extracts  of  a  letter  to 
a  friend  in  Philadelphia,  are  in  continuation  of 
the  same  subject.  *'  You  may  depend  on  it, 
there  is  work  for  us  here  :  there  is  work  for 
Missionaries  ;  for  teachers  ;  for  good  men  of  all 
descriptions."  "  I  am  struck  with  wonder  at 
the  appearance  of  the  native  Africans.  The  sickly 
and  depressed  countenance  of  a  Philadelphia 
coloured  man,  is  not  to  be  seen  amongst  them. 
A  noble  aspect, — a  dignified  mien,  —a  frank  and 
open  countenance,  the  entire  demeanor  of  the 
wild  man  !  Sir,  it  is  worth  a  voyage  to  Africa  to 
see  the  Kroo-men.  I  was  present  at  one  of  their 
amusements,  not  much  unlike  your  opera  per- 
formances. The  speakers  were  accompanied  by 
a  pleasant  music  on  a  sort  of  shepherd's  pipe. 
There  were  more  than  one  hundred  present ; 
and  seated  on  the  ground  in  a  circle.  The 
speakers  and  actors  had  their  places  in  the  cen- 
tre. I  could  not  understand  them.  1  remained 
some  time  speculating  about  the  origin  of  this. 
I  could  almost  persuade  myself  that  they  were 
fast  bccnm/mg  civilized !  as  theatrical  amuse- 
ments seem  to  indicate  a  state  of  civilization 
above  the  savage  life.  I  suppose  the  play  I  saw, 
and  tliose  performed  in  Philadelphia  have,  the 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  2^3 

one,  about  as  raucli  religion  as  the  other.*^  ^"•'These. 
people  never  sell  each  other  for  slaves,  nor  suf- 
fer any  others  to  do  it.  Jjeinji;  faithful  to  them- 
selves,  they  have  none  of  those  sufferings  to  en- 
dure whicli  other  tril)es  feel  with  so  great  se- 
.  verity.*' 

"  March  lith.  I  again  went  on  shore,  for 
the  purpose  of  visiting  Leicester  Mountain  ; 
but  twice  missed  my  way,  and  returned.  I  pass- 
ed six  or  seven  native  villages,  and  asked  for 
water  at  as  many  different  huts.  I  always  met 
with  the  most  friendly  reception.  The  natives 
manifest  much  benevolence  of  feeling.''  "March 
12th.  I  preached  at  10  o'clock,  on  the  ship's 
deck. — Several  coloured  men  fron  Sierra  Leone, 
were  present."  "  The  ship's  crew  were  very  at- 
tentive, and  seemed  impressed  with  sacred  truth. 
At  one  o'clock  1  called  by  appointment  on  governor 
M'Carthy,  and  met  with  a  civil  reception." 
"  One  half  the  coloured  population  here  would 
instantly  emigrate  if  we  would  receive  tliem. 
Tills  we  shall  of  course,  prevent.  Religion  is 
in  a  languishing  state  in  Freetown."     • 

**  March  13th.  Dining  to  day  with  the  colo- 
nial governor,  our  table  was  entirely  and  sump- 
tuously supplied,  from  the  productions  of  Africa. 
Those  of  no  country  are  more  various ;  and  stil] 
the  greater  part  are  of  spontaneous  growth.'' 
"The  English  have  claims  on  all  that  part  of 
the  coast,  which  stretches  from  Sierra  Leone  to  the 
Gambia,  north :  and   as  far  as  Cape  Shilling. 


25ft  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

perhaps  beyond  it^  south.''  *^  Oh  Africa,  my 
heart  bleeds  for  thee,  and  thy  scattered  and 
weeping  children  I  Is  it  not  of  the  justice  of 
God,  that  we,  the  white  people,  cannot  well  ex- 
ist in  this  climate  ?  God  only  can  keep  it  for 
Africa!'' 

At  the  last  preceding  date,  the  Cyane  had 
not  arrived  in  Sierra  Leone.  The  charter-party 
of  the  Elizabeth  gave  the  agents  no  authority 
to  detain  that  ship  beyond  a  very  few  days  on 
the  coast.  Not  only  a  place  of  settlement,  but 
even  of  debarkation,  was  yet  to  be  sought,  for 
the  passengers  and  stores.  Kizzel,  an  African 
of  some  consideration  on  the  coast,  and  the  pro- 
prietor of  a  small  settlement  on  the  Island  of 
Sherbro,  in  whom,  from  the  recommendations 
of  Messrs.  Mills  and  Burgess,  tlie  confidence 
of  the  agents  had  been  unsuspectingly  reposed, 
was  at  his  residence,  forty  leagues  distant  from 
Sierra  Leone.  The  soundings  near  the  entrance 
of  the  Sherbro,  had  not  been  taken  ;  and  great 
doubt  was  entertained  as  to  the  practicability 
of  bringing  the  ship  down  to  Kizzel's  settle- 
ment,  from  the  shoalness  of  the  water.  Under 
these  circumstances  Mr.  Baukson  was  imme- 
diately despatched  in  a  small  vessel,  to  explore 
the  Sherbro  sound,  and  provide  a  suitable  place 
for  the  landing  of  the  stores,  and  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  people,  until  a  site  should  be 
chosen,  and  lands  obiained,  for  their  permanent 
establishment,    la  order  the  more  effectually  to 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  257 

execute  the  purposes  of  the  expedition,  Mr.  Ba- 
con on  the  17th^  purchased  the  Augusta,  a  shoo- 
ner  of  one  hundred  tons'  burden,  on  board  of 
which  a  part  of  the  Elizabeth's  freight  was  trans- 
ferred on  the  same  day ;  and  both  vessels  imme' 
diately  proceeded  to  sea.  Having  doubled  cape 
Sierra  Leone,  the  vessels  proceeded  towards 
the  entrance  of  the  Sherbro  sound,  where  the 
Elizabeth,  unable  to  proceed  further  with  safety, 
anchored  on  the  18th.  The  schooner,  in  running 
too  near  the  shore,  grounded ;  by  which  she 
sustained  a  trifling  injury ;  but  was  got  off  on 
the  same  day. 

Mr.  Bankson  having  returned  on  board,  from 
his  visit  to  Kizzel's  residence,  made  a  report 
highly  favourable  to  the  wishes  of  his  colleagues^ 
both  as  to  the  facilities  for  landing,  and  the  coq> 
veniences  for  accommodating  the  people,  and 
depositing  the  stores,  at  that  place.  Kizzel 
had  likewise  tendered  the  best  use  of  his  in- 
terest with  the  King  and  head-men  of  the  ad- 
jacent coast,  in  opening  with  them,  an  immedi- 
ate  negotiation  for  the  lands,  and  bringing  it  to 
a  speedy  issue.  Animated  by  these  flattering 
prospects,  the  agents  made  immediate  prepara- 
tions for  the  trans  shipment  of  the  stores  and 
people,  from  the  Elizabeth,  to  KizzePs  town. 
The  distance  was  about  six  leagues. 

March  20th,  Mr.  Bacon  arrived  off  Campe- 
lar,  the  place   of  Kizzel's   settlement.      ^^  At 
half  past  ten,"  he  states.  "  I  went  on  shore  and 
88 


^8  MEMOIR    or    BACON* 

was  received  with  joy  by  Mr.  Kizzel  and  lii& 
people.  He  wept  as  we  walked  together,  to  hie 
house.  I  dined  with  him  on  fish  and  rice^ 
dressed  with  palm  oil.  Our  people  were  sent 
on  shore,  in  boats.  We  unladed  our  schooner, 
and  sent  back  Mr.  Bankson  to  the  ship  for  the 
stores.  All  the  people  got  fixed  during  the  day, 
in  the  huts  provided  by  Mr.  Kizzel ;  and  at  se- 
ven o'clock,  we  all  went  in  o  the  little  chuich 
and  had  a  joyful  season  of  evening  prayer. 
About  twenty  native  Africans,  nearly  naked^ 
were  present.  The  sight  of  natives  mingling  in 
our  morning  and  evening  worship,  and  even 
joining  in  the  tune,  and  some  of  the  words  of  our 
songs  of  praise,  was  a  refreshing  one.  Mr, 
Kizzel  is  a  pious  man  ;*  and  has  kept  up  wor- 
ship  amongst  them  a  long  time.  I  exhorted 
in  English,  and  he  in  Sherbro.  This  was  an 
affecting  season  of  devotion  !  It  was  worth  liv- 
ing an  age  to  participate  in  it,  with  our  feelings  !" 
The  Cyane  having  arrived  at  Sierra  Leone, 
immediately  despatched  a  boat  to  Campelar,  for 
Mr.  Bacon,  whose  advice  was  necessary  to  be 
taken  in  relation  to  her  future  employment  on  the 
coast.  Mr.  Bacon  accordingly  left  Campelar  on 
the  S4th;  and  touching  at  the  residence  of 
George  Caulker,  the  proprietor  of  the  Plantian 
Islands,  he  thus  describes  his  interview  with  this 

*  Mr.  Bacon  was  unhappily  obliged  before  his  death, 
either  to  reverse,  or  greatly  modify  his  charitable  judgment 
of  the  piety  of  this  individual, 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  259 

African  chieftain.  A  considerable  part  of  his 
wealth  has  been  amassed  by  means  of  the  inhu- 
man traflBc  in  the  persons  of  his  countrymen. 

^^On   our  arrival   at   the   Plantains,   about 
twelve  at  night,  Caulker  was  in  bed :  he  was 
awakened,  and  received  us  at  the  gate  of  his 
fortress.     He  had  a  white  robe  wrapped  about 
him  ;  and  wore  a  turban  of  figured  cambrick. 
His  reception  of  us  was  friendly.     His  house 
is  covered  with  thatch  in  the  native  style ;  but 
has,  in   the  centre,  one  room  finished  in  the 
European  manner.    Ke  gave  up  to  Lieut.  String- 
ham  and  myself,  his  own  bed-room,  and  afforded 
a  comfortable  accommodation  to  the  boat-men. 
He  has  the  air  and  manners  of  a  Scottish  chief- 
tain.    He  was  evidently  suspicious  of  the  mo- 
tives of  our  visit,  and  was  far  from  approving 
our  errand  to  the  coast.     He  has  a  battery  of 
five  dismounted  guns,  a  high  wall  on  two  sides 
of  his  inclosure,  and  ranges  of  houses  on  the 
other  sides.     He  is  a  man  of  intelligence  ;  gen- 
teel in  his  address  ;  has  many  wives ;  and  pos- 
sesses considerable  influence." 

Mr.  Bacon  arrived  on  board  the  Cyane  in 
the  harbour  of  Sierra  Leone  on  the  S6th.  It 
was  Sunday ;  and  he  was  obliged  to  pass  the 
evening  amidst  the  unseasonable  festivity  of  a 
dining  party,  in  which  the  principal  oflBcers  of 
the  English  colony  had  been  invited  to  join. 
The  effect  of  this  profanation,  on  his  feelings,  is 
noticed  with  emphasis  in  bis  journal.    The  next 


iSBO  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

day,  it  was  arranged,  that  the  schooner  Augusta 
should  be  manned  from  the  Cyane,  and  the  com- 
mand of  her  delivered  to  Midshipman  Town- 
send  ;  while  the  ship  proceeded  to  prosecute 
her  cruise,  and  return  to  the  United  States, 

On  the  28th,  Messrs.  Bacon,  Townsend, 
and  six  men  from  the  Cyane,  accordingly,  left 
Sierra  liCone,  in  an  open  boat ;  and  arrived  at 
Campelar  on  the  30th. 

From  this  date  to  the  3d  of  April,  the  agents 
were  occupied  in  superintending  and  assisting 
in  the  unlading  of  the  Elizabeth,  in  the  erection 
of  store-houses  for  the  goods,  and  providing  foi* 
the  accommodation  and  comfort  of  the  people. 

The  Island  of  Sherbro  is  separated  from 
that  part  of  the  coast  which  bears  the  same  name, 
by  a  sound  navigable  for  small  vessels,  and 
from  one  and  a  half  to  four  leagues  broad. 
Into  this  sound  fall  several  rivers  which  admit 
of  boat  navigation  from  five  to  thirty  miles  from 
their  mouth.  This  Island  is  about  ten  leagues 
in  length,  and  is  covered  with  a  luxuriant  vege- 
table growth  :  but  it  consists  wholly  of  alluvial 
ground,  and  like  the  whole  adjacent  coast,  risei? 
but  a  few  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Cam- 
pelar is  situated  near  the  middle  of  the  Island, 
on  the  east  side  :  and  the  ground  on  which  it 
stands,  with  much  of  the  contiguous  country,  is 
during  the  rains,  extensively  inundated.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  manifest  insalubrity  of  its  situation, 
the  water  is  so  strongly  impregnated  with  for- 


MEMOIR    OF   BACON.  Sbl 

eigu  substances  as  to  be  rendered  highly  offen- 
sive to  the  taste.  The  agents  had  notwithstanding 
these  forbi'dding  circumstances,  been  inveigled 
into  an  arrangement  with  the  proprietor  of  the 
spot,  by  which  the  people  were  to  remain  upon 
it,  while  the  negotiations  for  the  lands  were  pro- 
ceeding, by  the  most  positive  assurances  of  its 
salubrity  on  the  part  of  Kizzel,  and  a  promise 
of  effectual  assistance  in  bringing  the  native 
chiefs  to  an  early  conference  with  the  agents. 

The  dominion  of  the  whole  Sherbro  coun- 
try is  distributed  among  a  number  of  petty  chiefs, 
who  all  acknowledge  to  their  king,  a  subjection 
which  is  nearly  nominal ;  and  possess  an  abso- 
lute right  of  government  in  their  respective  dis- 
tricts. A  sort  of  paternal  respect  is  shown  by 
the  people  to  these  head-men ;  while  a  great  de- 
gree of  personal  freedom  is  enjoyed;  and  no 
important  act  of  government,  or  judicial  deci- 
sion, in  which  the  former  are  generally  interest- 
ed, takes  place,  without  the  concurrence  of  the 
elders  of  the  tribe. 

The  territory  which  had  been  designated  by 
the  former  agents  on  the  coast,  and  was  the  ob- 
ject of  the  approaching  negotiation,  commenced 
about  thirty  miles  from  Campelar,  at  the  head 
of  boat  navigation  on  the  Bagroo  river.  King 
Fara,  who  resided  on  the  Island  of  Sher- 
bro, was  the  reputed  proprietor  of  the  tract; 
bat  was  unable  to  cede  it,  without  the  consent 
and  advice  of  king  Sherbro  and  the  chiefs. 


S63  MEMOIR   OF    BACON. 

Mr.  Bacon  soon  perceived  in  Kizzel,  a  dis- 
position for  which  he  was  not  able  satisfactorily 
to  account,  to  procrastinate  the  general  council, 
which  he  had  promised  his  aid  to  obtain :  and, 
on  the  3d  of  April,  he  ascended  a  small  river 
about  ten  miles  from  the  sound,  in  order  to  visit 
the  chief,  Kara,  at  his  own  residence.  Of  his 
reception  by  Fara,  and  the  conference  which 
ensued,  he  gives  the  following  relation  : 

"  We  were  received,  and  seated  in  the  ^  pala- 
ver' or  council  house,  on  native  mats.  The  king 
and  head-men  of  his  tribe,  were  arranged   on 
the  opposite  side ;  and  after  our  presents  had 
been  produced  and  accepted,  the  '  palaver'  began. 
"I  stated  through  Mr.  Kizzel,  the  objects  of  our 
visit  to  Africa  and  the  improvement  and  benefits 
likely  to  accrue  to  the  native  tribes,  from  our  re- 
ligion,  agriculture,  and  the  mechanic  arts.     He 
listened  to  my  words ;  said  they  were  all  true ; 
and  professed  to  be  highly  gratified.  He  said  he 
owned  the  land  where  we  wanted  to  sit  down  ; 
and  would  sell  it :  but  king  Sherbro  must  first 
be  consulted  as  he  was  the  king  of  the  whole 
country.     He  promised  to  come  in  two  days,  to 
Campelar  and  give  me  further  information."  "  I 
am  more  and   more   pleased   with  the  Sherbro 
people.     They  are  kind  and  attentive  to  our 
wants.    This  country  is  capable  of  becoming  a 
continued  garden.     My  health  is  excellent :  I 
know  not  that  it  was  ever  better." 


.\w:moiu  of  bacon.  S6i^ 

Anxious  to  secure  the  lands  with  the  least 
possible  delay,  and  apprehensive  that  the  pro- 
fessions of  Kizzel  ought  not  to  be  confided  in, 
Mr.  Bacon  proceeded  on  the  next  day,  to  the 
principal  town  of  Somano,  the  chief  of  Bendou, 
situated  on  the  left  of  the  sound,  about  twenty 
miles  south  of  Campelar.  Professions  of  good 
will,  and  a  promise  of  concurring  in  any 
grant  of  lands  which  should  be  agreed  up- 
on  in  a  council  of  the  chiefs,  were  obtained 
from  this  chief  without  difficulty ;  but  Mr.  Bacon 
was  able  to  obtain  no  assurance  of  an  early 
'  palaver.' 

"  After  our  interview  with  the  chiefs,"  he 
continues,  "we  walked  several  miles  into  the 
country.  The  head-man,  Tasso,  was  our  guide, 
who  took  good  care  to  tell  us  under  what  trees 
the  '  greegres'  were ;  and  that  if  we  went 
where  they  were,  we  should  get  a  variety  of 
distempers.  He  showed  us  a  collection  of  na- 
tive  medicines,  and  explained  their  uses."  "  I 
never  saw  a  country  of  equal  fertility.  The 
most  luxuriant  growth  of  cotton  trees,  currant 
trees,  lime  and  orange  trees,  and  a  variety  of 
timber  trees  and  shrubbery ;  together  with  bana- 
nas, plantains,  cassadas,  yams,  ground-nuts, 
sweet-potatoes,  and  acres  covered  with  pine- 
apple plants,  lined  our  walks  for  miles.  Tasso 
was  very  friendly, — introduced  us  to  his  wife  : 
lamented  that  he  had  no  palm  wine  for  me ;  and 
promised  to  visit  Campelar."    "  On  my  journey 


364  MEMOIR    0¥    BACON. 

down,  we  stopped  at  Mrs.  Andersons,  on  York 
Island,  and  found  the  largest  oranges  I  ever  saw. 
I  got  one  that  measured  fifteen  inches  in  circum- 
ference." "  I  could  not  fail  to  admire  the  beau- 
tiful healthy  children  in  numerous  groups, 
wherever  we  go.  King  Fara  said  yesterday, 
he  would  come  if  God  phases^ — a  mode  of 
speech  worthy  of  a  christian." 

On  Mr.  Bacon's  return  from  this  excursion, 
he  was  much  afflicted  to  find  that  several  of  the 
people  at  Campelar,  had,  during  the  day,  ex- 
hibited  unequivocal  symptoms  of  a  violent  at- 
tack of  fever.  These  consisted  of  pains  in  the 
head,  back,  and  limbs,  attended  with  inflamma- 
tion of  the  eyes,  lassitude,  and  depression  of 
spirits.  On  the  next  day,  the  number  of  sick 
amounted  to  fifteen.  The  trans-shipment  and 
landing  of  the  Elizabeth's  freight  was  not  yet 
completed,  and  fully  occupied  the  other  agents ; 
while  Mr.  Bacon  was  employed  in  providing 
shelter  for  the  goods  and  people,  ashore.  The 
latter  began  to  manifest  the  utmost  impatience 
to  remove  from  Campelar,  on  account  both  of 
the  badness  of  the  water,  and  the  apprehended 
insalubrity  of  the  situation. 

The  agents  had  found  no  leisure  since  their 
arrival  at  Campelar,  to  organise  the  different  de- 
partments of  the  service  ;  and  by  assigning  to 
the  people  their  respective  employments  and  du- 
ties, to  avail  themselves  sufficiently  of  their  aid 
in  sustaining  the  burden  of  labour  which  pressed 


Memoir  of  bacon.  265 

upon  their  own  shoulders.  The  consequence  wag, 
that  their  strength  was  exhausted  with  incessant 
bodily  exertion,   and  imprudent  exposure  to  the 
direct  rays  of  a  vertical  sun,  through  the  day,  and 
the  damps  of  pestilential  exhalations  at   night. 
Many  of  the  black  people  at  the  same  time,  would 
scarcely  give  themselves  the  trouble  properly  to 
prepare  their  own  food  ;  by  their  indolence  man- 
ifestly  inviting   disease,   and    laying  open  the 
system  to  the  worst  effects  of  the  malignant  pro- 
perties  of  the  water  and  climate.     But  there 
were  moral  evils  scarcely  less  formidable,  daily 
becoming  more  apparent  in  consequence  of  the 
general  idleness.     It  afforded  to  the  seeds  of 
dissatisfaction  which  bad  never  been  entirely 
eradicated  from  their  minds,  a  prolific  growth. 
Scarcely  a  circumstance  of  their  lot,  but  admin- 
istered  some  pretext  of  complaint  against   the 
agents.  The  following  picture  of  the  distressing 
scene  which  was  now  presented,  is  thus  sketched 
by  Mr.  Bacon,  on  the  6th  of  April :  "  We  have 
now  twenty,  one   sick  of  a  fever.     We  try  the 
country  practice  of  bathing,  and  find  it  succesful 
in  some  cases.    We  have  not  tried  it  suflBciently, 
fully  to  attest  its  efficacy.     The  schooner  is  now 
absent  for  the  remainder  of  the  freight ;  and  Dr. 
Crozer  is  with  her.     Mr.   Bankson  is  sick  ;--I 
suppose  on  board  the  vessel.     I  have  heard  the 
complaints  of  the  people  this  day,  because  there 
is  no  good  water  to  be  had  on  the  Island, — be- 
cause they  were  brought  to  this  place, — because 
31 


add  MEMOIR    OF    BACON. 

I  did  not  take  possession  of  the  land  by  force, — 
because  tlie  people  are  visited  with  sickness, — 
because  tliere  is  not  fresh  meat,  sugar,  molas- 
ses, flour  and  other  luxuries  to  be  distributed 
to  them, — because  I  have  not  shoes  and  clothing 
for  them, — because  I  cannot  give  them  better  to- 
bacco,— because  the  ^  palaver'  is  not  over, — be- 
cause  1  take  the  best  measures  I  can,  to  bring  it 
to  a  conclusion, — because  the  houses  are  not 
better, — and  because  they  have  meat  and  bread 
to  eat.  They  complain  of  every  thing  they 
have  ;  and  are  clamorous  for  every  thing  they 
have  not.  We  erected  one  additional  house,  to- 
day for  our  people;  and  have  two  store-houses 
already  finished,  in  which  our  provisions  and 
goods  are  tolerably  secure." 

"We  have  suffered  much  from  the  depreda- 
tions of  our  own  people !  Even  our  high-toned 
professors  have  been  repeatedly  detected  in 
petty  thefts,  falsehood,  and  mischiefs  of  the  most 
disgraceful  nature.  I  am  pained  to  the  heart, 
with  tliese  indications  of  gross  hypocrisy. — It  is 
a  dark  picture  :  but  its  shades  are  truth." 

On  the  eyening  of  the  7th,  the  number  of  sick 
had  increased  to  twenty-five.  What  added  to 
the  distress  was,  the  absence  of  Mr.  Crozer,  who 
was  almost  the  only  individual  attached  to  the 
service  capable  of  prescribing  and  preparing  the 
necessary  medicines  with  a  scientific  knowledge 
of  their  uses.  Mr.  Bacon  gave  his  own  person- 
al attendance  to  the  sick :  and  administered  with 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  267 

his  own  hand,  the  best  remedies  which  he  could 
devise.  In  these  offices,  he  was  employed  dur- 
ing the  day,  and  through  a  great  part  of  the 
night.  On  the  same  day  he  preached  to  those 
in  health,  preparatory  to  the  communion ;  and 
addressed  the  natives  through  Kizzel, 

April  8th,  was  a  day  of  aggravated  distress. 
The  schooner  returned,  bringing  back  Messrs, 
Baukson,  Crozer,  and  Townsend,  all  severely 
ill ;  as  were  also  two  of  the  schooner's  crew. 
Five  more  on  shore,  were  added  to  the  number 
of  the  sick,  reported  the  day  before; — makingin 
all,  thirty-five.  Of  these  much  the  greater  part 
were  adult  persons.  The  most  useful  of  the  colo- 
nists were,  nearly  to  an  individual,  in  the  number. 
Twenty-five  of  the  sick  exhibited  symptoms  of 
a  dangerous  character;  and  all,  appeared  to  be 
hourly  getting  worse.  Almost  the  whole  care  of 
the  sick,  as  well  as  of  those  in  health,  now  de- 
volved on  this  agent !  **  I  passed  the  day,"  he 
writes,  ^^  in  visiting  the  sick,  inquiring  into  their 
wants,  and  administering  medicines.  Wherevei- 
I  move,  I  meet  with  little  besides  groans,  and 
tears.  The  fever  is  bilious;  and  in  many 
cases,  attended  with  delirium.  Among  the  cau- 
ses of  the  sickness,  I  reckon  the  following,  as 
the  principal.  A  too  free  use  of  thie  country 
fruits ; — the  neglect  of  personal  cleanliness ; — 
alternate  exposure  to  the  sun,  and  dampness 
of  the  night ; — the  want  of  flooring  to  the  huts  ; — 
constitutions  not  seasoned  to  the    climate :  and 


»«b  MEMOIll    OF    BACON. 

ill  the  case  of  those  employed  about  the  schoo- 
ner, excessive  fatigue,  and  anxiety  of  mind,  and 
remaining  for  hours  in  the  water,  and  in  wet 
clothes,  while  landing  the  goods.  Many  of  the 
sick  obstinately  refuse  to  take  medicines  ;  some 
declaring,  they  will  sooner  die  than  submit  to 
do  it.'' 

To  a  person  placed  in  Mr  Bacon's  circumstan 
ces,  at  this  period,  and  actuated  by  his  disinter 
csied  and  benevolent  spirit  it  is  not  to  be  sup- 
posed, that  a  prudential  regard  for  his  own 
health  would  occur  with  sufficient  force,  to  oc- 
casion any  relaxations  in  his  attentions  to  others. 
The  following  enumeration  of  duties  whicli 
he  undertook  at  this  time  daily  to  perform, 
shows,  but  too  clearly,  that  he  imposed  upon 
hrmself,  a  task  to  which  human  strength  is  utter- 
ly unequal.  Some  of  the  privations  and  labours 
to  which  he  submitted,  manifestly  appear  to 
have  been  imprudent  and  unnccesisary.  But 
it  would  be  improper  too  severely  to  censure  in 
him  a  fault  which  few  besides  would  be  liable  to 
commit.  '^  Who  can  describe  the  burden  under 
which  I  am  obliged  to  struggle,  in  feeding  this 
people, — enduring  their  complaints,— listening 
to  their  tales  of  trouble,— inquiring  into  their 
sufferings,^— ad  ministering  medicine, — labouring 
with  my  own  hands  in  building  houses  for 
them, — and  toiling  at  the  oar,  and  handling 
casks,  in  unloading  the  vessel  and  landing  the 
^oods  !— In  addition  to  all  this,  I  have  the  spiri- 


MEMOIR    OF    KACON.  S69 

tual  concerns  of  the  whole  company  to  look  af- 
ter. I  go  without  stockings,  entirely, — often  witli- 
out  shoes  ; — scarcely  wear  a  hat,  and  am  gener- 
ally without  a  coat: — I  am  up  early,  and  not  in 
bed  until  ten,  or  eleven  o'clock.  .  I  eat  little,  and 
sehlom  use  any  other  refreshments  except  hard 
ship-bread,  salt  meat  and  water."  "  I  labour 
more, — am  more  exposed  to  heat,  and  wet,  and 
damp,  and  hunger,  and  thirst,  than  any  one: 
and  yet,  blessed  be  God,  I  continue  in  health." 
"  In  addition  to  all  this,  I  have  the  weight  of  the 
whole  interest  on  my  mind : — all  the  care, — all 
the  responsibility, — all  the  anxiety.  But  God 
be  praised,  1  have  peace  within."  "  There  are 
eight  entire  families  sick;  amongst  whom  there 
is  not  one  able  to  dress  his  own  food,  or  wait 
upon  a  child.  Oh  God  who  can  help,  but 
thou?" 

Mr.  Bacon  found  time  to  annex  to  this  af- 
fecting recital  of  his  personal  anxieties,  and  the 
common  sufferings,  the  following  postscript.  "  Is 
it  asked,  do  I  yet  say  ^  colonize  Africa  ?'  I  reply. 
yes.  He  that  has  seen  ninety  native  Africans 
landed  together  in  America,  and  remarked  the 
effects  of  the  change  of  climate  through  the 
first  year,  has  seen  them  as  sickly  as  these. 
Every  sudden  and  unnatural  transition  pro- 
duces illness.  The  surprising  fertility  of  the 
African  soil,  the  mildness  of  the  climate,  during 
a  great  part  of  the  year,  the  numerous  commer- 
cial advantages,  the  stores  of  fish,  and  herds  of 


270  MEMOIR   OP  BACON. 

animals^  to  be  found  here,  invite  her  scattered 
children  home. — As  regards  myself,  I  counted 
the  cost  of  engaging  in  this  service  before  I  left 
America.  I  came  to  these  shores  to  die :  and 
any  thing  better  than  death  is  better  than  I  ex- 
pect." 

The  9th  of  April  was  Sunday.  "  At  the 
very  hour,"  he  continues,  "I  have  been  accus- 
tomed to  listen  to,  and  aid  in  the  praises  of  God, 
I  am  hearkening  to  the  groans,  and  mingling  my 
sighs  with  thos«  of  the  sick  and  afflicted.  Hav- 
ing  preached  a  preparatory  sermon  on  Thursday 
evening,  1  to-day  administered  the  holy  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  supper  to  those  of  the  Epis- 
copal church,  and  six  of  the  Methodist :  and 
we  had  a  sweet  season." 

His  colleague,  Mr.  Bankson,  and  several  of 
the  people,  were  delirious  through  the  day :  none 
appear  to  have  passed  the  crisis  of  their  disor- 
der; and  a  few  new  cases  occurred.  Those 
who  returned  sick  in  the  schooner,  had  not  been 
removed  on  shore ;  and  it  was  determined,  at 
Mr.  Crozer's  and  Mr.  Townsend's  request,  to 
send  her  to  Sierra  Leone,  with  the  sick  on 
board,  for  medical  assistance ; — the  three  effec- 
tive seamen,  with  what  attention  Mr.  Townsend 
could  bestow,  undertaking  to  navigate  her.  But 
the  wind  standing  for  two  days,  in  an  unfavour- 
able quarter,  it  became  at  that  time  impracticable 
to  move  her. 


MEMOIU    OF    BACON.  ^71 

On  the  lOtli,  the  commencement  of  the  wet 
season  was  indicated  by  two  or  three  violent 
gusts  of  thunder  and  wind,  succeeded  by  tran- 
sient showers  of  rain. 

The  people  discovered  the  utmost  impatience 
to  be  removed  from  Campelar,  and  even  in- 
timated in  a  written  memorial  which  they  pre- 
sented, an  intention  to  take  the  direction  of  their 
afiairs  into  their  own  hands.  They  were  assem- 
bled and  remonstrated  with  ;  after  which,  their 
groundless  agitation  subsided,  and  their  disor- 
derly purpose  was  abandoned. 

It  had  now  become  apparent^  that  their  faith- 
less host,  Kizzel,  had  employed  a  secret  influ- 
ence to  produce  and  aggravate  the  disaflection  of 
the  people.  Mr.  Bacon  determined  to  rely  no 
longer  on  his  mediation,  or  agency,  in  conduct- 
ing the  negotiations ;  and  proceeded  on  the  Hth 
to  visit  Koag  Kouber,  a  prince  and  son  of  king 
Sherbro,  at  his  own  town,  on  the  Bagroo.  The 
interview  was  productive  of  no  immediate  re- 
sults ;  but  discovered  a  disposition  in  the  prince 
to  admit  of  no  unnecessary  delay  in  bringing 
forward  the  general  ^  palaver.'  Mr.  Bacon  re- 
turned on  the  13th,  and  found  the  sickness  not 
in  the  least  abated.  Mr.  Crozer  committed  his 
agency  in  form,  to  the  Rev.  Daniel  Coker  ;  and 
awaited  the  closing  scene  of  life,  with  composure. 

The  next  day  one  of  the  sick  on  shore  died: 
and  new  cases  occurred.  Mr.  Townsend  came 
on  deck,  during  the  preceding  night  in  a  fit  of 


XJ^  MEMOIR    OF    BACON 

delirium,  and  fell  overboard.  He  was  with  dif- 
iiciilty  rescued ;  but  had  the  violence  of  his 
fever  increased  by  tlie  accident.  At  nisjht,  Mr. 
Bacon  states  :  '^  There  arc  only  six  or  eight  of 
the  people  in  health— and  the  sick  cannot  be 
properly  taken  care  of.  I  am  still  well,  and  en- 
joy the  supreme  protection  and  favour  of  God." 

On  the  14th,  occurred  another  death.  Mr. 
Bacon  found  time  to  add  ;  *^  We  have  been  in 
hourly  expectation  of  Mr.  Crozer's  death.  God 
be  praised,  I  am  yet  well :  but  am  continually 
engaged, — continually.  Every  duty — adminis- 
tering medicine,  nursing  tlie  sick,  praying  over 
them,  burying  the  dead,  serving  out  provisions, 
and  hearing  complaints — all — all,  still  fall,  upon 
me.     But  God  helps  me." 

"  April  15th.  Our  whole  number  of  sick  is 
nearly  forty.  Mr.  Crozer  died,  about  one  o'clock 
on  board  the  Augusta.  I  was  engaged  in  prayer 
by  his  side  when  he  expired.  This  is  a  season 
of  grief,  indeed.  He  said  a  few  days  ago,  that 
'  Jesus  was  precious  to  him,  but  less  so  than  he 
could  M'isli.'  These  are  dark  seasons.  Mr. 
Townsend's  case  is  hopeless.  Others  are  very 
low.  Grace  alone,  could  enable  me  to  bear  up 
under  afflictions  like  these.  O  God,  send  us  thy 
help/" 

Tlie  iGth,  was  marked  by  the  death  of  Mid- 
shipman  John  S.  Townsend,  and  one  of  the  sick 
on  shore.  The  remains  of  Messrs.  Crozer  and 
Townsend,  were  carried   to  the  grave  by  the 


MEMOIR    OF   BA.CON.  S7S 

American  seamen  of  the  Augusta,  and  buried 
with  the  honours  of  war.  Mr.  Bankson  was 
supposed  to  be  convalescent,  and  at  twelve 
o'clock,  removed  on  shore.  Mr.  Doughen,  a 
young  gentleman  who  went  out  under  Mr.  Ba- 
con's patronage;  and  who  had  hitherto  retained 
his  health,  became  ill :  and  he  was  himself  con- 
siderably indisposed,  at  night. 

Under  the  date  of  the  succeeding  day,  Mr. 
Bacon  inserts  the  following  memorandum.  "  I 
was  yesterday  indisposed ;  and  am  to-day  more 
so.  I  have  taken  an  emetic,  and  otherwise  pre- 
pared for  the  illness  which  seems  to  be  approach- 
ing." 

While  confined  to  his  room  he  was  able  to 
adjust  the  current  accounts  of  the  expedition, 
with  the  assistance  of  an  amanuensis ;  and  en- 
ter in  the  books  an  imperfect  copy,  with  his  own 
hand. 

The  following  are  the  last  notes  which  he 
was  able  to  write.  They  are  feebly  traced  with 
a  pencil  in  characters  which  are  barely  legible  : 

"  April  19th.  The  wife  of  Augustin  died 
last  night,  and  was  buried  to-day,  Mr.  Coker 
and  Kizzel  started  to  day,  for  Yonie,  with  the 
goods  appropriated  for  carrying  on  the  '  palaver/ 
in  order  to  hasten  it,"  *  *  5^  "  I  last  night,  con- 
tracted a  slight  cold, — have  used  the  warm  bath, 
and  some  gentle  medicines;  and  feel  a  little 
relieved.  I  have  been  careful  not  to  weaken 
my  stomach  and  digestive  organs,  by  too  copious 


S74  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

draughts,  especially  of  water ; — as  that  indul- 
gence carried  oif  Mr.  Crozer,  Towusend,  and 
others."  *  *  *  * 

"  April  20th.     Still  sick."  *  *  *  * 
"  *  *  *  21st.     The  same."  *  *  *  * 
<i  ^-  *  *  22(i.      *  *  same."  *  *  *  * 
The  sufferings  of  the  people  were  now  ar- 
rived  at  that  extreme  point  which  hardly  admits 
of  being  exceeded.     Mr.  Doughen  was  confin- 
ed to  his  couch  :  Mr.  Bankson,  although  recov- 
ering, was  still  incapable  even  of  administering 
to   his  own  personal  wants.     The  only  three 
persons  sufficiently  intelligent  to  take  the  pro- 
per oversight  of  the  affairs  of  the  people,  su- 
perintend the  administration  of  medicines,  and 
direct  to  such  means  as  were  requisite  to  their 
comfort  and  recovery,  were  necessarily  sent  to 
Yonie,  to  meet  the  native  kings  who  had  agreed 
to  assemble  at  that  place.     The  anxiety  which 
this  state  of  things  created  in  Mr.  Bacon's  mind 
could  not  fail  greatly  to  enhance  his  sufferings, 
and  accelerate  the  crisis  of  his  disorder.     He 
distinctly  expressed  more  concern  on  account  of 
the  sufferings  of  the  people,  and  the  darkening 
prospects  of  the  enterprise,  tlian  on  account  of 
bis   own   illness.      In  contemplating  his   own 
death,  he  saw  little,  except  a  bright  and  bound- 
less expanse  of  glory  piercing  with  its  light  the 
gloom   which  hung  over  the  dying  scene.     But 
his  heart  was  wrung  with  the  anticipation  of  the 
svent,  as  it  would  affect  the  welfare  of  the 


MEMOIR   OF   BACON.  ^75 

colonists,  and  the  success  of  the  expedition. 
On  this  theme  he  had  vented  his  feelings  in  the 
most  pathetic  language.  But  even  in  this  hea- 
viest, and  doubtless  his  last  trial,  he  found  re- 
lief by  a  vigorous  eifort  of  faith  in  the  mercy  of 
God :  and  by  ultimately  confiding  in  the  wisdom 
and  righteousness  of  all  his  purposes.  The  last 
expression  of  the  pungent  sensations  which 
arose  out  of  this  survey  of  a  prospect  so  dark 
and  distressing,  recorded  by  his  pen,  is  accom- 
panied with  the  petition,  manifestly  dictated  by 
the  fervent  wishes  of  his  heart, — "  Thy  will  be 
done." 

From  the  S2d,  to  the  S8th  of  April,  there 
was  no  Intelligent  friend  to  observe  the  progress 
of  his  symptoms,  or  administer  the  medicines 
and  comforts  which  their  varying  characteristics 
demanded.  He  had  consigned  himself  to  the 
hands  of  his  God ;  and  waited  submissively,  the 
result  of  his  afflictive  dispensation. 

To  be  obliged  to  censure,  where  it  would  be  a 
pleasure  to  commend,  is  painful :  and  to  accuse  of 
neglecting  the  ordinary  offices  of  humanity,  those 
who  have  deserved  and  possessed  our  gratitude, 
is  doubly  wounding  to  the  heart.  Our  people  have, 
both  before  and  subsequently  to  this  date,  received 
favours  from  individuals,  and  the  government  of 
Sierra  Leone,  which  have  called  forth  public 
expressions  of  gratitude.  But  why,  at  the  period 
of  these  occurrences,  and  for  several  weeks  af- 
terwards, was  no  medical  aid  tendered, — why, 


S76  MEMOIR   OF   BACON. 

when  urgently  solicited,  was  it  denied,  to  our 
sick  and  dying  people,  by  their  English  neigh- 
bours ?  Sierra  Leone  was  at  that  time,  healthy  : 
and  it  was  a  matter  of  notoriety,  that  the  only 
medical  gentleman  attached  to  the  American  ex- 
pedition, had  died  at  an  early  period  of  the  sick- 
ness. On  the  38th,  a  small  vessel  from  Freetown 
anchored  in  sight  of  Campelar.  A  barge  was 
despatched  from  her  with  two  individuals,  who 
proved  to  be  servants  of  the  colonial  govern- 
ment of  Sierra  Leone  ;  and  one  of  them,  an  act- 
ing physician.  They  were  welcomed  with  joy. 
But  after  announcing,  as  the  object  of  their  visit, 
some  trivial,  and  obviously  incredible  matter  of 
trade, — making  a  leisurely  survey  of  the  calami- 
tous circumstances  of  the  people,  and  displaying 
the  utmost  indifference  to  their  sufferings,  they 
returned  on  the  same  evening,  to  their  vessel. 
The  intreaties  of  those  in  health,  seconded  by 
the  tears,  and  cries  of  the  sick  and  dying,  had 
been  addressed  to  them  in  vain,  for  medical  at- 
tendance-^and  even  for  advice,  as  to  the  mode 
of  treatment  proper  for  the  disease.  Both  were 
refused.  After  much  intreaty,  they  reluctantly 
consented  to  receive  Mr.  Bacon  into  their  schoo- 
ner, and  convey  him  the  next  day,  to  Sierra 
Leone ;  and  for  that  purpose  promised  to  keep 
their  vessel  in  its  station,  until  nine  o'clock,  on 
the  following  morning,  when  it  was  agreed,  that 
Ije  should  be  sent  on  board,  in  his  own  boat. 
A^cprdingly,  on  the  morning  of  the  S9th,  he 


MEMOIR    OF    BACON.  S77 

was  conveyed  in  a  very  debilitated  state,  from 
Campelar,  and  arrived  at  tiie  anchorag;e  ground, 
before  the  hour  appointed  for  the  sailing  of  the 
schooner.  But  on  the  approach  of  the  boat,  the 
vessel  drew  up  her  anchor,  and  set  sail  for  Sierra 
Leone  !  Mr.  Bacon  ordered  the  men  at  the  oars 
to  overtake  her  ;  and  the  lightness  of  the  wind, 
for  a  season,  favoured  the  effort.  A  press  of 
sail  was,  however,  set ;  and  though  followed  at 
a  moderate  distance  for  several  hours,  the  vessel 
at  length  ran  so  far  ahead  as  to  set  the  exertions 
of  the  boat-men  at  defiance.*  It  was  now  noon. 
Mr.  Bacon  had  been  exposed  to  the  direct  rays 
of  the  sun,  for  six  hours,  with  no  better  covering 
than  a  silk  umbrella ;  nor  was  it  possible  to  regain 
a  better  shelter,  before  night.  He  ordered  the 
men  to  direct  their  course  towards  the  Plan- 
tain Islands ;  where  the  boat  arrived  in  the 
evening  of  the  same  day.  After  resting  through 
the  night,  Mr.  Bacon  was  carried  aboard  the 
boat,  early  in  the  morning  of  the  30th,  and 
passed  the  whole  of  another  day  in  the  same  ex- 
posed condition  as  he  had  done  the  preceding. 
His  fever  had  now  attained  a  degree  of  violence 
which  almost  deprived  him  of  the  power  of 
speech ;  and  rendered  him  apparently  insensible 
to  passing  occurrences.  On  the  evening  of  this 
day  he  was  landed  at  the  recent  English  settle- 
ment on  Cape  Shilling ;  and  very  hospitably  re- 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  VIII. 


i37S  MEMOIR    OF   BACON. 

ceived  by  Captain  William  Randle,  the  super- 
intendant  of  the  station.  Every  requisite  atten- 
tion was  bestowed  upon  him  by  that  gentleman, 
and  his  family  ;  and  his  mind  appeared  soothed 
by  the  kindness  which  was  evinced.  But  reme- 
dies came  too  late  to  do  him  good. 

During  the  next  day,  he  was  able  to  recline 
for  short  intervals  on  a  sofa;  and  to  take  a  small 
part  in  the  conversation.  But  his  disorder  was 
hastening  rapidly,  to  a  fatal  termination.  He 
perceived  it,  and  expressed  in  the  intervals  of 
liis  sensibility,  his  acquiescence  in  the  sovereign 
pleasure  of  God.  The  cause  in  which  he  had  em- 
barked retained  a  strong  interest  in  his  affections, 
to  the  last.  In  his  last  conversation,  he  feebly 
asked,  ^'  Dear  Brother  Randle,  do  you  not  think 

wc  have  happiness  reserved  that  will ?" 

\s  the  interrogatory  was  unfinished,  the  gentle- 
man to  whom  it  was  addressed,  did  not  immedi- 
ately reply :  when,  Mr.  Bacon  continued,  ** What 
do  you  say  to  my  question  ?"  A  hope  was  then 
expressed,  that  the  Saviour  would  reserve  for 
both,  a  happiness  which  should  abundantly  com- 
pensate their  present  sufferings.  He  replied, 
and  they  were  some  of  his  last  words,  "  Ah ! 
that  is  all  I  v»'ant.*' 

This  last  effort  of  reason  and  speech,  took 
place  about  eleven  o'clock,  on  the  night  of  the 
Ist  of  May.  The  languid  current  of  life  ebbed 
gradually  away,  until  half  past  four,  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning ;  when  he  expired.  Jllis  remains 


MEMOIR   OF  BACON.  S79 

were  interred  on  the  same  day,  in  the  burial 
ground  attached  to  the  church  in  the  settlement : 
and  though  deposited  by  the  hands  of  strangers, 
on  a  foreign  and  pagan  shore,  they  rest  under 
the  sure  protection  of  the  christian's  Saviour, 
and  in  ''  the  certain  hope  of  a  glorious  resurrec- 
tion."* 

In  his  person,  Mr.  Bacon  was  tall;  the  struc- 
ture of  his  frame  was  masculine,  and  rather  indica- 
tive of  strength,  than  characterised  by  symmetry 
of  proportion.  His  features  were  strongly  mark- 
ed ;  and  the  expression  of  his  countenance  blend- 
ed an  interesting  pensiveness  with  the  lineaments 
ef  an  intelligent  and  vigorous  mind.  His  attach- 
ments were  ardent ;  his  passions  quick  and  vio- 
lent ;  and  his  friendships  affectionate  and  perma- 
nent. He  was  impatient  of  opposition,  rapid  in: 
his  movements,  and  determined  in  his  purposes. 
Inflexible  integrity,  unbounded  generosity,  and  a 
sincerity  incapable  of  disguise,  run  through  the 
entire  texture  of  his  character. 

His  learning  was  various ;  and  his  taste  clas- 
sical :  but  the  first  was  not  profound  ;  nor  the 
last  exact.  His  legal  acquirements  were  all  of  the 
useful  kind ;  his  standing  at  the  bar  respectable  : 
and  his  professional  reputation  increasing. 

By  regeneration,  every  constitutional  excel- 
lence was  heightened,  and  a  foundation  laid  for 
those  pre-eminent  spiritual  attainments^  in  which 

*  See  Appendix,  Note  IX. 


280  MEMOiU    OF   BACO^N. 

he  had  few  equals, — perhaps  no  superiors.  His 
zeal  has  hcen  seen  to  be  ardent ;  his  devotion 
entire ;  his  hopes,  elevated  to  sublimity ;  and 
his  faith  invincible.  The  love  and  fear  of  God 
tempered  together  in  just  proportions,  formed  the 
prevalent  feeling  of  his  heart ;  his  very  thoughts 
were  prayer  ;  his  habit  of  obedience  to  the  di- 
vine  laws,  prompt  and  unhesitating;  and  his 
'love  of  the  christian  brother-hood,  unfeigned.' 
The  mystery  of  ^  God  manifest  in  the  flesh,'  and 
the  character,  work  and  otTices  of  the  Redeemer, 
formed  the  theme  of  his  untiring  admiration,  his 
incessant  rejoicing,  his  increasing  gratitude,  and 
his  highest  praise.  In  the  service  of  such  a  Mas- 
ter, enforced  by  such  motives,  his  talents,  health, 
and  life,  were  regarded  as  infinitely  too  cheap  an 
offering.  To  Him,  they  were  all  deliberately 
consecrated  :  for  Him,  they  were  all  cheerfully 
resigned.  And  his  memory  shall  be  blessed. 
The  American  church  will  long  cherish  it  with 
affection :  and  it  shall  hereafter  freshen  in  the 
hearts  of  millions  in  another  hemisphere,  when 
the  work  in  which  |ie  fell  shall  have  its  consum- 
mation, in  the  civilization  of  Africa,  the  re- 
turn of  all  her  exiles,  and  the  subjection  of  a 
countless  population  to  the  dominion  of  Christ. 


APPENDIX. 


NOTE  I. 

THE  denomination  of  "  Congregationalist,"  in  refer- 
ence to  iUe  relifjious  societies  of  New  England,  is  used  in 
an  appropriate,  and  not  according  to  the  original,  sense  of 
the  teim.  In  strict  phraseology,  several  sects  of  Baptists 
and  other  Christians,  in  those,  and  the  other  states,  are  con- 
gregationalists,  but  known  by  different  names.  The  terra 
"  Congregationalist"  in  its  common  use,  designates  the  ori- 
ginal and  prevalent  denomination,  who  adopt  essentially, 
the  same  system  of  faith,  and  have  ever  been  in  christian 
fellowship,  with  the  Presbyterians  ;  from  whom  they  differ 
only  in  their  system  of  ecclesiastical  government  and  dis- 
cipline. The  government  and  affairs  of  the  church  are 
administered  by  the  whole  congregation  of  communicints; 
of  which  each  constitutes  a  separate  and  independent  ec- 
clesiastical body,  which  neither  admits,  nor  exercises  the 
controul  of  any  other.  This  order  sometimes,  although 
improperly,  are  dejiominated  Presbyterians. 

NOTE  TI. 

The  direct  testimony  of  Mr.  Bacon  to  the  general  ex- 
cellence of  the  New  England  character,  cannot  be  withheld 
without  disappointing  an  intention  v/hich  he  seems  to  have 
entertained,  of  publishing  at  some  future  period,  a  jrraphi- 
cal  illustration  of  the  habits,  morals,  and  religion  of  the 
people;  with  a  view  to  the  extermination  of  certain  pre- 
judices which  so  greatly  detract  from  their  just  estimation 
in  other  sections  of  the  country.  The  strongest  of  these 
prejudices,  he  correctly  supposed,  have  their  oriann  in  ig- 
norance. In  the  outline  of  these  sketches,  which  Mr.  Ba- 
con prepared  about  two  years  previous  to  his  death,  the 
following  very  just  observations  occur.  "In  New  Eng- 
land, the  laws  of  the  several  states  are  generally  better  ex- 
36 


282  APPENDIX. 

eciited  than  in  the  middle  and  Southern  states.  Religion 
is  much  more  generally  attended  to.  Education  is  foster- 
ed, and  good  morals  protected.  But  there  is  in  the  lower 
classes  of  the  people,  a  species  of  low  cunning  and  intrigue, 
which  is  sometimes  rendered  dangerous  amongst  a  less 
suspicious  and  more  ignorant  people.  It  is  this  class  of 
people  who,  finding  their  own  laws  too  strict  for  them,  ge- 
nerally remove  to  a  distant  part  of  the  country,  where 
their  arts  and  deceptions  find  a  better  opportunity  for  ac- 
tion. Go  amongst  the  people  of  that  country,  you  will 
find  them  hospitable,  moral,  religious.  Industry  and  hard 
labour,  characterise  the  most  of  tliem.  If  it  is  asked  what 
are  the  distinguishing  traits  of  the  New  England  character, 
it  might  be  said,  they  are,  enterprise,  perseverance,  shrewd- 
ness, industry  and  economy.  Upon  this  subject  much  might 
be  said.     The  character  of  these  people  is  not  understood." 

NOTE  III. 

In  an  imperfect  sketch  of  the  present  state  of  New 
England,  which  Mr.  Bacon  drew  up  a  few  years  only  before 
his  death,  he  exercises  on  this  subject,  an  unreasonable  se- 
verity of  reflection,  which  was  unusual  for  him  at  that  time 
to  indulge  on  any  other,  and  which  can  be  best  vindicated  bj 
attributing  it  in  part,  to  the  eftects  of  early  prejudice.  The 
following  remarks  are  extracted  from  these  papers :  "As 
to  the  religion  of  the  New  England  states,  the  "  Standing 
order"  not  unfrequently  exercise  some  degree  of  persecu- 
tion. All  offices  are  attempted  to  be  holden  by  them,  and 
having  the  law  on  their  side,  they  make  all  contribute  to 
their  worship,  who  do  not  produce  written  testimony  that 
they  contribute  to  some  other  mode.  Every  person  is  obli- 
ged to  go  to  church  once  in  three  months,  under  a  penalty ; 
and  sabbath-breaking  is  considered  as  a  crime  of  no  small 
magnitude.  Yet  too  much  hypocrisy  may  sometimes  be 
seen  under  the  demure  garb  and  face  of  a  congregationalist 
as  well  as  others.  It  is  predicted  that  the  unnatural  union 
of  church  and  state  will  take  place  in  those  states,  if  not 


APPENDIX.  ^83 

guarded  against.  •  The  standing  order'  will  probably  grow 
more  and  more  arrogant  and  powerful,  if  the  laws  in  their 
favour  be  not  relaxed.  One  great  advantage  which  they 
possess  is,  that  *  power  and  authority'  is  on  their  side." 

The  allusion  contained  in  the  foregoing  extract,  to  the 
public  sentiment  on  the  violation  of  the  Sabbath,  must  not 
be  understood  as  an  expression  of  any  other  feeling  in  Mr. 
Bacon,  than  that  of  approbation.  Of  the  crime  of  violating 
the  Sabbath,  no  person  was  more  sensible,  or  felt  a  deeper 
abhorrence  than  himself.  It  may  be  further  remarked,  and 
probably  from  a  better  knowledge  of  the  actual  tendency 
of  the  congregational  system  in  New  England  at  the  pre- 
sent time,  than  Mr.  Bacon  possessed  in  1817,  that  whatever 
consequences  might  be  dreaded  from  the  legal  patronage 
enjoyed  by  that  body,  continuing  in  a  state  of  religious  lan- 
guor, and  general  conformity  to  the  world,  the  recent  very 
extensive  revival  of  true  religion  amongst  them,  has  visibly 
arrested  the  aspiring  tendencies  of  the  system,  and  directed 
the  ambition  of  a  great  portion  of  their  members  in  the  pur- 
suit of  far  sublimer,  and  more  appropriate  objects. 

NOTE  IV. 

Mr.  Bacon  was  fully  sensible  of  the  imperfection  of  all 
his  poetical  productions.  Being  written  for  his  own  amuse- 
ment, or  the  gratification  of  a  few  of  his  particular  friends, 
they  ought  not  to  be  too  readily  subjected  to  the  eye  of 
public  criticism.  The  piece  which  follows,  is  taken  without 
much  attention  to  the  selection, from  those  which  have  fallen 
into  the  liands  of  the  writer ;  and  offered  as  a  fair  specimen, 
(and  one  must  suffice)  of  their  general  character.  Its  faults 
and  beauties  are  alike  apparent. 

THE  GHOST  OF  A  SACHEM. 

The  war-song  arose  on  the  night's  drowsy  pinions. 
It  rose  from  the  site,  where  his  wigwam  once  stood : 

On  the  banks  of  the  Mohawk,  his  sire's  wild  dominions. 
It  roll'd  in  shrill  echoes,-- -the  song  of  the  tvood. 


284!  APPENDIX. 

The  sky-towering  wilds  of  the  untrodden  mountains. 
Reporting  the  full  notes,  by  distance  made  mild  ; 

The  Mohawk's  rude  billows,  in  haste  from  their  fountains. 
In  consonance  echoed, "  the  prince  of  the  wild  .'*' 

By  the  flash  of  the  far  distant  fire's  dying  embers, 
I  saw  the  red  chieftain  arise  from  the  earth  ; 

He  review'd  each  old  haunt ;  for  the  spirit  remembers 
Each  scene,  that  to  joy  or  to  sorrow  gave  birth. 

His  shoulders  o'erspr'^ad  with  his  battle-worn  blanket. 
His  enai^ns  of  mildness  all  huns;  by  his  side ; 

His  wounds  weepingblood.  while  his  native  earth  drank  it: 
For  the  "ghost  of  the  sachem"  appeared,  as  he  died. 

"How  oft."  he  exclaimed,  "have  my  visits  nocturnal 
Been  made  to  this  spot,  where  my  kindred  all  fell  ? 

And  let  me  still  wander,  "great  spirit,"  supernal ! 
And  still  let  the  war-note  on  midnight's  ear  swell. 

"  My  old  oaks,  that  stood  like  my  tribe,  long  unshakenj 
Brav'd  the  tempest,  and  storm,  and  the  elements'  roar; 

My  warriors, — my  tribe— the  destroyer  has  taken  ; 
The  children  of  nature  shall  reign  here  no  more. 

"  The  tlme-moulder'd  stumps  of  my  forests  now  shew  me. 
They're  pilferpd,  some  towerins;  wi<>;wam  to  rear. 

No  more  my  own  lund$,  as  their  sachem,  shall  know  me ; 
Their  vales  are  all  furrowed — their  groves  are  not  here. 

"  The  buflfiilo,  hence,  with  his  bulky  distention. 
The  elk  and  the  deer  fro'n  the  river  banks  hie  ; 

The  mammoths,  that  bellow'd  in  dreadful  convention, 
No  more  shall  here  battle  with  powers  of  the  sky  ! 

"  The  chase,  that  among  vonder  hill-tops  resounded  ; 
That  fired  the  young  red-nian  with  enterprise  high. 

The  veil,  that  exults,  when  the  fleet  deer  is  wounded, 
No  longer  on  wind  or  on  breeze  passes  by- 

"  The  council-fire's  blaze,  where  I  oft  quell'd commotion, 
No  longer  Ulumines  <^he  "loom  of  t'^e  night ; 

No  lonser  arises  the  fire  of  devotion  ; 
No  longer  the  war-dance  leads  on  to  the  fight ; 

"How  oft  have  \  buried  the  blood-thirsty  hatchet  ! 
For  the  nMtenmn  beso^ic^ht,  and  the  sachem  was  brave  ! 

How  oft  did  his  treachery  tempt  me  to  snatch  it; 
AJid  not  e'en  his  wife  or  his  little  oneSj  save  ! 


APPENDIX.  28.1 

«  In  an  hour  of  repose  the  fell  rifle  was  levePd  ; 
It  murdei'd  my  boys,  and  my  a;itls,  and  my  wife  ! 

T  le  Mohawk  received  tliem;  their  straight  hair  dishevel'd: 
It  next  sought  their  chief,  and  robb'd  him  too  of  life  ! 

"  But  the  day-star  approaches  the  darkness  to  banish  ; 
I  haste  to  the  '  land  of  tny  fathers'  in  rest ; 

The  breezy  dawn  comes,  and  each  spirit  must  vanish  ; 
The  grave  is  my  home,  and  tlie  darkness  my  guestP 

NOTE  V. 

At  this  season  Mrs.  Bacon  had  been  for  some  time  ab- 
sent from  Washington  on  a  visit  to  her  friends  in  Penn- 
sylvania. Her  approaching  confinement  was  anticipated 
by  her  husband  with  the  utmost  solicitude.  His  feelings 
appear  to  have  consisted  of  a  singular  mixture  of  social 
and  religious  aftection,  excited  to  an  uncommon  degree,  and 
flowing  forth  inditferently  towards  all  his  friends.  He 
composed,  and  constantly  repeated,  for  a  course  of  weeks, 
the  following  prayer,  from  which  a  few  extracts  are  here 
uiserted,  as  characteristic  of  the  state  of  his  mind  at  the 
time. 

"  Almighty  and  merciful  God,  wilt  thou  suffer  a  repen- 
tant sinner  to  throw  himself  at  thy  foot-stool  at  this  time 
and  implore  thy  pardoning  mercy, — thy  forgiving  kindness. 
Oh,  Father  in  Heaven,  let  me  humbly  thank  thee  for  the 
blessings  thou  hast  vouchsafed  me  for  the  day  past  and  for 
all  thy  kindness  thus  far  in  life.  Let  me  more  especially 
pour  out  my  soul  before  thee  in  gratitude,  thankfulness  and 
praise,  for  affording  us  the  way  of  grace  and  the  hopes  of 
salvation  through  a  Redeemer.  Let  me  never  forget  to 
thank  thee  for  this  only  source  of  happiness,  revealed  to  us 
in  thy  holy  word.  O  God,  accept  my  thanks  for  thy  past 
blessings  on  my  wife  and  on  our  union  :  for  the  length  of 
days  and  measure  of  health  and  comfort  granted  to  my 
aged  father,  and  for  thy  goodness  and  mercy  to  all  my  bro- 
thers and  sisters  and  their  several  families.  Forgive,  O  God, 
I  humbly  beseech  thee,  all  our  sins.  Dispose  and  enable 
us  to  Uvea  righteous  and  Godly  life ;  to  repent  of  our  sins 


fioO  AVI'ENDIX. 

and  thus  make  ourselves  worthy  of  thy  forgiving  grace. 
Bless  my  fatlier  with  health  and  strength  ;  and  may  he  be 
at  last  prepared  for,  and  receive  thy  pardoning  grace  May 
my  days  be  spent  in  doing  good,  and  serving  thee.  May  the 
offspring  of  our  union  be  endowed  with  the  senses  and  affec- 
tions of  human  nature,  capable  of  rendering  it  a  blessing  to 
its  parents  ;  and  may  it  be  so  educated  as  to  serve  thee  in 
sincerity  and  truth,  and  at  last  be  fitted  for  immortal  life. 
Heavenly  Father,  teach  me  how  to  pray  and  what  to  pray 
for.  Not  my  will,  O  Lord,  but  thine  be  done  ;  for  thou  hast 
so  taught  us  to  pray,  *  Our  father,  &,c.'  " 

NOTE  VI. 

An  instance  fully  illustrative  of  the  influence  which  sen- 
sible impressions  assisted  by  the  imagination,  could  exert  on 
Mr.  Bacon's  judgment,  while  oppressed  with  bodily  indispo- 
sition, occurs  in  his  journal.  Few  will  be  disposed  to  resort 
to  the  supposition  of  a  directly  supernatural  agency  in  or- 
der to  account  for  the  singular  sensation  ;  nor  is  it  consi- 
dered necessary.  That  his  mind  was  at  the  time  in  a  most 
happy  and  eicvated  frame  of  devotion,  and  that  the  effect 
of  the  impression  was  entirely  salutary  ;  there  can  be  little 
doubt.  Perhaps  the  pious  reader  may  recollect  sensations 
of  his  own  mind  of  a  similar  kind,  wliich,  had  they  been  as- 
sisted by  a  livelier  imagination  and  a  higher  state  of  nervous 
excitability,  might  !»ave  had  for  a  short  time,  the  like  impo- 
sing effect  on  his  judgment. 

"January  2d.  This  day  my  temporal  business  was  less 
urgent,  and  I  had  leisure  to  rest;  bu  t  was  exercised  with 
anxiety  about  the  trying  business  of  the  approaching  week. 
I  was  a  few  moments  at  the  house  of  two  of  my  neighbours  ; 
and  was  requested  to  pray  in  both.  My  desires  for  more  grace 
were  strong  and  fervent.  On  returning  to  my  lodgings,  sud- 
denly abright  light  appeared  to  illuminate  the  whole  room. 
I  immediately  rose  up  and  looked  about  with  surprise,  but 
not  with  fear.  I  praised  the  Lord,  and  was  happy — but 
remained  for  some  time  in  a  happy  surprise:  when  it  oc- 


APPENDIX.  287 

curred  to  me  that  I  had  lost  my  eye-sight,  or  that  some  ma- 
terial change  had  taken  place  in  the  organs  of  vision.  I 
went  out  to  ascertain  whether  I  could  discern  objects 
by  moonlight ;  as  the  night  was  a  bright  one.  I  found  on  tri- 
al, that  my  eyes  were  as  usual.  I  then  retiirned,  and  examin- 
ed my  stove  ;  but  not  a  spark  of  fire  was  to  be  found  in  it. 
No  natural  objects  about  me  were  rendered  visible  by  it. 
My  shutter  and  door  were  closed,  and  the  light  of  the  moon 
could  not  enter.  Still  the  glorious  vision  continued;  un- 
til at  length,  my  doubts  prevailed,  and  I  lost  it.  I  still  re- 
gard it  as  a  dispensation  fraught  with  love  to  my  soul ; 
and  often  sigh,  *  My  God  repeat  that  heavenly  hour,  that 
vision  so  divine.' " 

NOTE  vir. 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  the  document  promul- 
gated on  this  occasion  ;  which  is  given  as  illustrative  of  the 
equitable  principle  on  which  the  society  intend  to  act  in  the 
distribution  of  lands  to  African  settlers. 

Every  married  man  arriving  or  marrying  in  the  colony 
within  one  year  from  its  commencement,  to  receive  twenty- 
five  acres  for  himself,  twenty-four  for  his  wife,  and  ten  for 
each  child,  as  near  the  town  as  convenient :  and  every  fami- 
ly is  entitled  to  a  lot  in  town. 

Every  single  man  to  receive  thirty  acres  in  the  country, 
and  a  lot  in  town. 

Minors,  and  females  not  included  in  the  former  classes, 
to  be  entitled  each,  to  twenty-five  acres  of  land,  without 
the  town. 

Labourers  and  machanics,  as  a  motive  to  industry  and 
good  conduct,  to  receive  at  the  discretion  of  the  agents, 
each  ten  acres  in  addition  to  the  allotment  above  specified. 

The  agents  only  are  authorised  to  buy  or  negotiate  with 
the  natives  for  land. 

The  colonists  in  order  to  hold  their  lands  and  lots,  must 
reside  in  the  colony  and  cultivate  them. 

Grants  forfeitable  by  misconduct. 


IBS 


At-rKKDlX. 


NOTE  Vllf. 

It  is  not  in^iniKitofl  fhat  the  government  of  Sierra  TLe-- 
one  positively  interfered  in  preventing  the  t^xtension  of  me- 
dical assistance  to  the  colonists  in  Sherbro.  But  the  utter 
indifference  which  even  the  officers  of  that  colony  seem  to 
have  evinced,  to  the  unparallelled  suiTeringsofthe  American 
people,  demands  an  explnnation.  It  is  not  pretended  that 
anj  other  obligation,  than  that  vi^hich  arises  from  the  profes- 
sion of  a  common  Christianity,  and  the  possession  of  a  com- 
mon nature  rested  on  the  n  to  afford  reliefto  their  afflicted  fel- 
low beings  in  this  case.  Let  the  cruel  perfidy  of  the  two  un- 
principled individuals  referred  to  in  the  memoir,  rest  with 
themselves  :  the  cause  of  humanity  demands  of  the  gentle 
men  attached  to  the  board  of  direction  of  the  English  govern- 
ment at  Sierra  Leone,  a  vindication  from  what  appearsto  have 
been  aconduct  indirect  violation  of  its  most  sacred  laws. 

Perhaps  it  is  due  to  the  justice  of  Heaven  to  state,  that 
one  of  the  two  English  visitants  toCampelar  on  the  28th, 
met,  shortly  after  his  return,  a  sudden  and  violent  death  : 
and  the  other  is  believed  to  be  nov/  undergoing  an  infamous 
punishment  for  felony. 

The  clergymen  and  missionaiies  of  Sierra  licone,  are 
from  their  circumstances  and  duties,  to  be  entirely  excepted 
from  any  part  ot  the  foregoing  censure. 

NOTE  IX. 
]Mr.  Bankson  continued  to  amend,  for  a  few  days,  when 
he  was  subjected  to  a  fatal  relapse,  v/hich  carried  him  ofFou 
the  ISth  of  May.  Mr.  Doughen  recovered,  and  returned 
to  the  United  States.  The  whole  crew  of  the  Augusta  and 
about  twenty  of  the  black  people,  died.  The  remainder  in 
a  few  weeks  regained  their  health  ;  of  whom  the  greatest 
number  continued  under  the  care  of  the  Rev.  Daniel  Co' 
ker  in  Sierra  Leone,  until  the  month  of  March,  1821, 
when  new  agents  arrived  with  supplies,  and  a  reinforcement 
of  colonists,  from  the  United  States. 


DATE  DUE 

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